HANOI (Bernama-VNA): Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) on Friday announced continued suspension of multiple passenger services departing from Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City as widespread flooding in the south-central region persists, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.
Rail services had already been heavily disrupted in recent days as prolonged downpours inundated many sections of the North-South route.
Prolonged heavy rainfall, especially along the Nha Trang-Quy Nhon section, has paralysed rail operations for days, causing significant economic losses and affecting thousands of travellers.
Since Nov 17, 25 passenger trains have been cancelled due to flooding, landslides and unsafe track conditions.
The disruptions left more than 2,000 passengers stranded at stations along the route.
VNR has provided free support for the affected passengers, with 5,200 main meals, 4,200 snacks and drinking water on halted trains.
In addition, 11,000 tickets have been refunded for passengers on cancelled or rescheduled services, with total refund costs amounting to about VND7.5 billion (100 VND =RM0.016).
Six freight trains were fully cancelled and 27 others were forced to halt en route, resulting in freight-related losses estimated at VND1.6 billion.
Preliminary calculations put total damage from this flooding event at nearly VND10 billion, including passenger service support costs and losses from freight cancellations.
VNR said infrastructure workers remain on duty around the clock at vulnerable locations to monitor water levels, inspect track conditions and handle incidents to ensure absolute safety before any services are restored.
The sector stays updated on weather developments and flood risks to adjust operational plans and advises passengers to follow official notices before travelling. - Bernama/VNA
