Death Toll In Vietnam's Worst Flood Rises To 58

October 8, 2007 7:47 a.m. EST

Kim Tan, Vietnam (AHN) - At least 58 people died and 15 people are still missing in Vietnam's worst flood in 45 years, which swept the northern and central areas when Typhoon "Lekima" lashed the country, rescue officials said Monday.

Typhoon Lekima's destruction cut off roads and stranded thousands of villagers after rivers overflowed. The government emergency workers took water, food and medicine supplies by helicopter and boat to people cut off by the flood.

Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on Sunday visited Ninh Binh province, the area most affected by the typhoon and ordered authorities to take care of the needs of those displaced especially shelter and food for flood victims. He also requested authorities to repair damaged dikes, roads, houses and schools at the earliest possible time.