HANOI — At least 55 people have died and 13 others remain missing after heavy floods swept through central Vietnam this week, the country’s disaster management department said.

The floods inundated large parts of central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, causing extensive damage and more than $340 million in economic losses, Vietnam News reported, citing the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention.

Dak Lak recorded the highest number of casualties with 27 deaths and eight people missing.

Khanh Hoa reported 14 deaths and two missing, while five fatalities were recorded each in Gia Lai and Lam Dong.

Two deaths were confirmed in both Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang, where two additional people are missing. One person was also reported missing in Quang Trị province.

Around 950 houses were destroyed and more than 28,460 homes remain submerged across the affected areas.

Flooding and landslides also disrupted transportation, blocking sections of major highways and rural roads.

Military and police personnel have been deployed to support rescue and relief operations.

Authorities added that 3.24 million livestock and poultry have perished or been swept away in the disaster. — Agencies