Severe flooding caused by days of heavy rainfall has inundated thousands of homes across northern and north central Vietnam, disrupted transport and schools and caused widespread agricultural damage as authorities warn that further rain could worsen conditions.

Vietnamese disaster authorities reported late Thursday that 16,310 homes had been inundated, significantly higher than earlier figures of more than 2,000 homes reported by the Associated Press.

Thanh Hoa was among the hardest hit areas with 8,419 homes inundated, followed by Ninh Binh with 4,787 and Hanoi with more than 2,200.

Three people were also reported killed following a landslide in Phu Tho province.

THOUSANDS OF HOMES AFFECTED

Heavy rainfall has battered northern and north central Vietnam throughout the week, with some areas recording more than 50 centimetres of rain.

Floodwaters have overwhelmed communities, blocked roads and left households isolated.

Authorities have deployed soldiers and other emergency personnel to affected communities, including areas on the outskirts of Hanoi where rising river levels threatened homes.

Residents in vulnerable areas have been assisted in moving belongings and essential supplies to higher ground.

HANOI ROADS AND SCHOOLS DISRUPTED

The flooding has also caused significant disruption in the Vietnamese capital.

Some streets in Hanoi were submerged under nearly one metre of water, making travel difficult and disrupting normal daily activities.

Schools and universities were forced to close or move classes online as authorities warned that travelling through flooded areas could be dangerous.

The Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City railway was also affected after floodwater submerged part of the route, forcing passengers to continue sections of their journeys by road.

AGRICULTURAL DAMAGE WIDENS

The flooding has caused extensive damage to farmland.

Updated figures from Vietnam's disaster authorities showed that more than 22,000 hectares of rice, vegetables and other crops had been submerged or damaged.

Aquaculture areas have also been affected, while livestock and poultry have been lost in the floods.

The agricultural damage has been concentrated in areas including Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An.

MORE HEAVY RAIN FORECAST

Authorities remain on alert as additional rainfall threatens to cause further flooding, flash floods and landslides.

Forecasters expect widespread rain through September 21, with low lying communities and areas close to waterways facing heightened risks.

Officials have instructed local authorities to monitor river levels, strengthen warnings and evacuate residents where necessary.

The latest flooding highlights Vietnam's continuing vulnerability to extreme rainfall and severe weather, with communities across the country experiencing repeated flooding and storms in recent years.