Dhaka, Nov. 22 -- Relentless rains and floods have killed at least 41 people in central Vietnam since the weekend, while a search continues for nine still missing, state media reports.

The deluge has submerged more than 52,000 homes and left half a million households and businesses without power, according to reports.

Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated from the flood-affected regions.

Rainfall has exceeded 1.5m (5ft) in several areas over the past three days, even rising beyond the 1993 flood peak of 5.2m in some parts.

Extreme weather has battered Vietnam in recent months. Two typhoons, Kalmaegi and Bualoi, left a trail of death and destruction within weeks of each other.

Natural disasters in Vietnam have wreaked dam...