Flooding in Vietnam kills 14

Floods in central Vietnam have killed 14 people but the death toll is expected to climb, disaster officials said Friday.

"We are searching for the missing, but there's little hope that they are still alive," said Van Phu Chinh, head of the Flood and Storm Department in the central region. Four people are known to be missing.

Officials believe the worst of the flooding in Quang Nam and Quang Ngai provinces is over now that the rains have slowed. In some places, the people who were evacuated, are now starting to return to their homes.

One of the areas hardest hit was the ancient town of Hoi An, in part built by Japanese and Chinese merchants, and a popular tourist destination known for its historic temples and homes.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Hoi An a World Heritage site, citing it as a well-preserved trading port dating back to the 15th century.

For the past two days much of Hoi An has sat underwater. Tourists were trapped in hotels that went from being "river view" to "waterfront" accommodations.

But Le Van Gian, chairman of the People's Committee of Hoi An, said that the worst of the danger has passed.

"The rain has stopped and now the threat to the ancient town is over," said Gian. dpa mao me