Torrential rains, floods and landslides in northern provinces have claimed 25 lives, the National Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention reported on September 7.

Lao Cai saw the highest number of casualties, with 10 deaths, followed by Thai Nguyen, Lai Chau and Vinh Phuc with three each; Lang Son and Dien Bien with two; and Ha Giang and Son La with one.

The floods also injured 16, destroyed 139 houses and submerged over 6,800 hectares of rice and other crops.

The total financial loss caused by the disaster is estimated at about 39.2 billion VND.

Authorities in the localities have begun to clear many roads that have been inundated with water and debris.

According to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, the water level is still rising dangerously in a number of rivers in northern provinces but is expected to reduce slightly on September 8.

It also warned that floods and landslides are likely to hit the northeastern localities of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Bac Can, Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho.-VNA