HANOI, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Prolonged heavy rainfall and consequent flooding for three days in Vietnam have caused 47 people dead or missing in northern and central regions, Vietnam News Agency reported on Sunday.

    In Hanoi, where the flood hit hardest, 17 people have been reported dead or missing. About 13,000 houses and nearly 100 schools have been inundated and 15,000 families evacuated. More than 50,000 hectares of crops have been flooded, the agency said.

    Estimate from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting shows that the heavy rainfall is likely to continue in the coming two days.

    The National Steering Committee for Storm and Flood Control has asked the authorities of affected areas to actively control flooding and dispatched missions to key areas in order to assist local people in overcoming the aftermath of the disaster.