Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam—The Perfume River surged past its banks this afternoon. Two people were swept away by the current. The flood prevention committee confirmed the deaths after a search operation ended at dusk. The water rose suddenly following heavy upstream rain.

The victims were near the riverbank when the water breached the retaining wall. They had little time to react to the rapid shift. Local fishermen spotted them being carried downstream toward the delta. They attempted to reach them with smaller boats.

The current was too strong for safe navigation. Visibility dropped as heavy rain returned to the area. Rescue teams were deployed once the storm lightened, but the river had already pulled the victims into deeper channels.

Search teams recovered the bodies downstream near a bridge piling. They have been moved to the city morgue. Officials are working to identify the victims and contact their families.

The flood prevention committee has warned that water levels remain dangerously high. They have ordered the closure of all riverside parks and walkways. Patrols are checking the area to ensure no one remains near the water.

Residents in low-lying neighborhoods have started moving valuables to higher levels. The threat of additional surges continues as water drains from the mountains. Local authorities are monitoring the dam release levels.

This is the second time this week the river has exceeded its capacity. Officials are examining the discharge schedule of upstream facilities. They are under pressure to explain why the rise caught the public by surprise.

The river remains closed to all transport. Police boats are stationed at strategic points to enforce the ban. The situation is stagnant while the water continues to churn through the center of the province.