Vietnam's Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control said torrential rains and floods since Friday had killed 20 people and left 18 others in the country's northern mountainous provinces so far, the Vietnam News reported Monday.

Among the deaths, 13 are in Bac Kan, three in Cao Bang and four others in Ha Giang, Lai Chau, Lao Cai and Lang Son, said the committee.

Heavy rains and floods also swept away crops and hundreds of houses, and caused landslides, resulting in serious traffic jams, said the newspaper.

According to the committee, official estimates for damages were not available now as many districts were completely isolated due to washed out roads and cut electricity and telephone lines.

The committee sent an urgent order to require relevant authorities to monitor reservoirs and dams, said the newspaper.

District-level authorities were urged to promptly evacuate locals to safe areas, provide food and safe water to flood victims and rebuild destroyed homes. Families having dead people were given financial support.

The National Hydro-meteorological Forecasting said heavy rains would keep battering northern provinces over the next few days.

Source: Xinhua