HANOI, Vietnam — As floodwaters began to recede across central Vietnam on Friday, rescue operations ramped up in response to days of relentless rainfall and catastrophic landslides that have claimed at least 13 lives, left 11 people missing, and displaced tens of thousands. The subsiding waters enabled emergency teams to access previously isolated communities, with nearly 26,000 residents evacuated from flood-ravaged or landslide-prone areas. The Vietnamese government mobilized helicopters and military personnel to deliver essential supplies such as food and medicine, while also focusing on repairing homes, clearing debris, and preventing disease outbreaks. Infrastructure restoration efforts are underway, with roads, power lines, and schools being repaired, and emergency rice aid scheduled for distribution by Saturday. The North–South railway, a vital transport link connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, resumed operations early Friday after a three-day closure, thanks to the tireless efforts of hundreds of workers who repaired damaged sections overnight. While flooding has eased in coastal cities like Hue and Danang, widespread inundation persists and is expected to continue for the next two days, according to state media. Since torrential rains began on October 26, the region has witnessed submerged homes, destroyed villages, and devastated infrastructure. Hue recorded an unprecedented 1,085 millimeters (42 inches) of rain in just 24 hours earlier this week, marking the highest daily rainfall ever measured in Vietnam. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued urgent directives to accelerate recovery efforts and ensure no one goes hungry or without shelter. Disaster officials reported that approximately 120,000 homes were flooded, with 56 completely destroyed and 147 severely damaged. Temporary shelters are being established for displaced families. Meteorologists attributed the extreme weather to a collision of cool northern air with warm, moisture-laden sea winds, triggering a series of storms that have battered central provinces for days. The interaction forced rain clouds against mountainous terrain, exacerbating the downpours. Authorities have warned that heavy rain may persist in parts of central Vietnam through November 4, with some areas expected to receive over 700 millimeters of rain. While central Vietnam is no stranger to heavy rains and tropical storms, experts emphasize that the scale and intensity of this week’s floods underscore the escalating risks associated with shifting rainfall patterns in a warming climate. Vietnam ranks among the world’s most flood-prone countries, with nearly half its population residing in high-risk areas.