Vietnam on dengue alert after flooding

Health authorities in Vietnam fear a spike in diseases like dengue fever and cholera following flooding which has killed 55 people, it has been reported.

An unusual end to the rainy season is thought to be responsible for the worst flooding in decades the emergency services told AFP.

Provincial People's Committee official Tran Van Ha said: "The situation has become especially difficult for old people and children, and we fear we will face a serious epidemic when the flood waters recede."

The floods have hit the north and centre of the country, including Hanoi.

Families have been using bathtubs, oil drums and banana trees to transport salvageable goods in the city.

A Vietnam meteorologist told the news agency it was unusual for the water to have been so heavy and lasted for so long this time of year.

There is no cure for dengue fever, which is carried by mosquitoes that breed in damp conditions.

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