The Vietnam News Agency reports that Committee officials were working around the clock to distribute the assistance and they expected the situation to improve soon.

The worst hit regions include the nine northern provinces of Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Ha Giang, Son La, Thai Nguyen, Dien Bien, Cao Bang, Bac Kan and Hoa Binh where water levels continue to negatively affect residents.

In many areas of the provinces, shops as well as temples, banks, schools and state offices were inundated by floodwaters and many roads and bridges remain impassable to vehicles.

Authorities have also issued warnings to residents to be on the alert for possible landslides.

According to the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, the rains and floods have killed 16 people, damaged 86 houses, and submerged 500 hectares of paddy fields and other crops.

Initial losses were estimated at approximately US$1 million.