Flash floods in some Vietnamese northern provinces sparkled by heavy rain in a storm since last Friday have killed at least 97 local people and left 48 others missing, local newspaper Young People reported Monday.

Flash floods in some Vietnamese northern provinces sparkled by heavy rain in a storm since last Friday have killed at least 97 local people and left 48 others missing, local newspaper Young People reported Monday.

The flash floods had, by 21:00 Sunday, claimed at least 97 lives, left 48 people missing, and injured 38 others in the 10 provinces of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Quang Ninh, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Bac Can, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen and Lai Chau, the newspaper quoted statistics from the provincial Anti-Flood and Storm Steering Committees as reporting.

Lao Cai was hardest hit with 36 deaths and 38 missing, followed by Yen Bai with the respective figures of 35 and three, and Ha Giang nine and two.

The government has instructed sectors and localities to overcome aftermath of the floods. Local rescuers, including many soldiers, have been actively seeking the missing people, and distributing cash and food to people affected by flash floods and landslides.

(Xinhau News Agency August 11, 2008)