Vietnam already battling deadly floods, with at least 35 killedpublished at 11:12 GMT

11:12 GMT

A man wades through a flooded area in Hoi An, following deadly floods in central Vietnam.Image source, Reuters

Ahead of Typhoon Kalmaegi’s arrival, it’s worth noting that Vietnam has already been battling with floods and record rains this week.

Burst riverbanks have flooded some of the country’s most popular tourist spots, including the Unesco-listed city of Hue and historic hotspot Hoi An – where residents have been pictured navigating the city via wooden boats after the Hoai river overflowed.

At least 35 people have been killed in the deluge, according to a recent statement from the national disaster agency. Vietnam’s environment ministry also says more than 100,000 homes have been flooded and more than 150 landslides reported.

According to local media reports, PM Pham Minh Chinh held an online meeting to direct the emergency response.

“We must reach isolated areas and ensure people have food, drinking water, and essential supplies. No one should be left hungry or cold,” he’s cited as saying.