VietNamNet Bridge – The prolonged flood in the Mekong Delta has killed at least 24 people, including 21 children, and caused damages worth at least VND950 billion ($45.2 million).
According to the National Steering Board for Flood and Storm Control, this is the largest flood in the Mekong Delta in the last ten years, that hit eight provinces, including An Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho, Long An, Vinh Long, Hau Giang, Kien Giang and Tien Giang.

By October 9, at least 24 people died and 6 were injured in floods. The flood also damaged 1,500 houses and harmed tens of thousands of other houses and schools. More than 230,000 students had to off school. Agriculture, transport, seafood and irrigation facilities were heavily damaged. The total loss is estimated at at least $45.2 million.

The National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecast said that flood in the Mekong Delta still keeps rising. The water level in Dong Thap Muoi and Long Xuyen quadrangular is forecast to reach the third grade of alarm until the end of October.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Bui Ba Bong has asked flood-stricken provinces to make statistics of losses. The Ministry will submit the report to the government for considering compensation for farmers. Bong said that the compensation will double the current level, which can cover 30 percent of losses.

The Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee has transferred from VND200 million to VND1.2 billion to each of the eight above provinces as assistance.

Ngoc Anh