At least 13 people have been killed and 11 remain missing after days of torrential rain triggered severe flooding across central Vietnam, submerging tens of thousands of homes and disrupting transport in the historic cities of Hue and Hoi An.

According to Vietnam’s disaster management agency, more than 116,000 houses and 5,000 hectares (about 12,400 acres) of crops have been inundated. Widespread damage to roads and rail lines has cut power supplies and left several communities isolated.

The UNESCO-listed heritage cities of Hue and Hoi An were among the worst affected. State media photos showed entire neighborhoods submerged, with some homes nearly underwater. Floodwaters in Hoi An began to recede on Friday, allowing residents to start clearing thick mud and debris left behind.

“I have witnessed floods many times, and this is the worst I’ve ever seen,” said local resident Tran Van Tien, 60, as he cleaned his home in Hoi An’s old quarter.

Tourism, a vital source of income for the region, has been hit hard. Most hotel bookings have been canceled as floodwaters swept through the ancient town’s narrow streets. “Floodwater rose too quickly, causing significant property damage,” said Nguyen Thi Thuy, a hotel manager who has been forced to close her business since Monday. “I hope that floods won’t happen again so that we can reopen our hotel. We all rely on tourism here.”

Vietnam frequently suffers from tropical storms and floods during its rainy season, which runs from June to October. The government has warned that rainfall could exceed 500 millimetres (about 20 inches) in some areas through late Saturday, raising fears of additional flooding and landslides.