Hanoi: At least 55 people died and 13 others went missing after heavy floods ravaged central Vietnam this week, according to the disaster management department. Floods swept through central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, causing extensive damage and more than $340 million in economic losses. According to Anadolu Agency, the Vietnam News reported that the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention highlighted the severe impact on several provinces. The Dak Lak area faced the brunt, reporting 27 fatalities and eight missing persons, while Khanh Hoa saw 14 deaths and two people missing. In addition, five deaths each were reported in Gia Lai and Lam Dong, and two fatalities occurred in both Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang. Da Nang also reported two missing individuals, with one more missing in Quang Tr? province. The floodwaters destroyed approximately 950 houses and left more than 28,460 homes submerged across the affected regions. The floods and heavy rain also caused significant disruption s to transport services, with parts of major highways and rural roads blocked by flooding and landslides. Authorities have deployed military and police personnel to respond to the disaster. They also reported that 3.24 million livestock and poultry have perished or been swept away due to the floods.