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In Vietnam, death toll rises from flooding

By the CNN Wire Staff
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Central Vietnam is the hardest hit area
  • Widespread damage is reported

(CNN) -- The death toll from devastating floods in central Vietnam now stands at 48, state-run news reports said Thursday, citing emergency officials

At least 19 people have been injured and 41 ships sank or were damaged as the government urgently pursued measures to deal with the disaster. Flooding has inundated more than 100,000 dwellings and has caused millions of dollars in damage, the reports said.

More than 900 troops were sent to help with rescue operations, with hundreds of flotation aids, more than 1.5 million tons of food and 2.5 million liters (656,250 gallons) of water.

Central Vietnam has seen record rainfall this week, with some areas getting twice as much rain as is normal for this time of year. The flooding there is the latest in a series of deadly floods across the world recently.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai inspected the flood-hit central region, including the worst-flooded district of Quang Trach, news reports said.