The death toll from floods that devastated central Vietnam over recent days has reached at least 26, disaster officials said Wednesday.

A total of 19 deaths were reported in the two hardest-hit provinces of Quang Binh and Ha Tinh, according to provincial officials.

Seven other people were killed elsewhere in the central region, officials said.

In Ha Tinh alone, the heavy rains and rising waters have inundated at least 8,400 hectares (20,700 acres) of crops while damaging nearly 27,000 houses, the provincial flood and storm control department said.

The province said it urgently needed "at least 60 tonnes of instant noodles, 8,000 boxes of mineral water and 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of chemicals to clean water for domestic use."

Hundreds of military personnel have been mobilised to help evacuate residents threatened by the floodwaters.

According to the Thanh Nien newspaper, several trains between Hanoi and the southern economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City have been interrupted as rail tracks are under water.

Key roads were also damaged. State-run Vietnam Television said thousands of cars and trucks were stuck on the main national Highway 1 which had been damaged.

On Tuesday, army helicopters were deployed to bring food and other aid to devastated areas.

Vietnam regularly suffers from tropical storms and flooding at this time of year.

earlier related report
Indonesia flood toll rises to 86: official
Teluk Wondama, Indonesia (AFP) Oct 6, 2010 - The death toll from flash flooods in a remote region of eastern Indonesia has risen to at least 86 with dozens of people still missing, an official said Wednesday.

Rescue workers were searching for survivors from the floods which hit West Papua province's Teluk Wondama district on Monday following torrential downpours.

"At least 86 people were killed and 81 people were injured. We are still searching for dozens of missing people," Papua search and rescue official Mochamad Arifin told AFP.

"The chance of survival for the missing people is slim," he said.

Arifin said the rescuers would keep searching until Monday next week but could extend their operation if needed.

Those killed had reportedly drowned and been swept away by the powerful waters along with uprooted trees, rocks and debris.

Indonesia's climatology agency said that most parts of the country were currently experiencing torrential rains, strong winds, high waves and flooding due to extreme weather this year.