Rains, floods ravage Vietnam

HANOI, Vietnam, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Four days of heavy rains and flooding in Vietnam have results in the deaths of 29 people and caused much damage, Vietnam News Agency reported.

The country's lowlands and Central Highlands, which include Quang Tri, Da Nang and Thua Thien-Hue, are the most affected.

At least five people were missing, the office of the dike management and storm and flood control department said.

The report said 130 communes with more than 103,000 homes have been hit by flooding, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. Food reserves in some of these areas have been depleted, the report said.

Damage to rice, vegetable, cash crops and aquaculture ponds are reported to be extensive.

More rains are in the forecast.

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak announced $1 million in aid to buy blankets, mosquito nets and essential supplies, the report said.

"The flood-struck communities were, in many cases, just starting to recover from the damage caused by the August floods," the ambassador said.