Hanoi, Oct. 31 -- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked ministries to implement urgent relief measures to help central localities overcome the consequences of recent heavy rains and flooding.

The PM sent a dispatch to the chairpersons of the People's Committees of Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Ngai, and to the ministers of National Defence, Finance, Health, and Agriculture and Environment on October 31.

According to the document, prolonged torrential rains from the circulation of Storm No. 12, compounded by a cold spell and strong easterly winds aloft, have caused severe flooding across the central region, resulting in heavy losses of life and property.

Many households have been isolated for days, facing shortages of food and e...