Typhoon Sonca has weakened into a tropical depression after causing heavy rain and severe flooding in provinces in north-central Vietnam.

The storm was centered to the north of Quang Tri Province when it diminished into a tropical depression at around 3:00 pm on Tuesday, according to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

The low-pressure system was forecast to travel northwestward at a velocity of 15km per hour over the next 12 hours and continue to weaken into a low-pressure zone in central Laos.

After making landfall, Sonca brought heavy rainfall and serious inundation to the region.

According to the Committee for Flood and Storm Control in Quang Binh Province, rainfall in several districts topped 130 millimeters while many areas were isolated by the flooding.

Strong winds also uprooted countless trees and caused damage to multiple homes in the province.

In Quang Tri, the body of a man was found on the coastline at Vinh Kim Commune, Vinh Linh District, on Tuesday afternoon.

A tree is uprooted in Quang Tri Province. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The relevant authorities are carrying out an examination to identify the victim and determine the cause of death.

The storm sank numerous boats and blew away the roofs of many houses in the region.

Meanwhile, torrential rainfall of around 150 to 200 millimeters was recorded in Thua Thien-Hue Province, affecting thousands of hectares of paddy fields, according to  Phan Thanh Hung, an official from the provincial Committee for Flood and Storm Control.

Information from local airlines revealed that a total of 41 flights were delayed on Tuesday due to the typhoon.

A group of 10 Thai tourists were stuck in Son Doong Cave, Quang Binh, because of the bad weather.

The visitors were prepared for the scenario and are expected to exit the cave in a few days, using an alternative route not subject to flooding.

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