VietNamNet Bridge – At least 21 people have been killed, two are missing and 16 others injured following days of torrential rains, flash floods and landslides in northern mountain provinces.

Flood disaster: 25 swept away, two die, 11 missing

Nine of those killed were among a group of 25 teachers sleeping in bungalows next to their school in Sa Pa. Their bodies have been recovered.

Nine of those killed were among a group of 25 teachers sleeping in bungalows next to their school in Sa Pa. Their bodies have been recovered.

Fourteen of the teachers swept away have been found and taken to hospital. Another two are still missing.

According to the latest report from the National Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control, 37 local houses collapsed, 27 were severely damaged and more than 1,700 hectares of crop were destroyed.

Local authorities are helping those affected get their lives back to normal, following an urgent message from Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

To add to concerns, a tropical low-pressure system is now reported to have formed in the eastern part of the East Sea.

By 7am, the eye of the potential storm was about 570km from the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago with wind speeds from 39-61km per hour.

The tropical low is forecast to gain strength and is moving west and west-north-west at 15-20km per hour.

It is expected to create will rough seas and strong winds in the northern part of the East Sea.

Source: VNS