Typhoon Mirinae kills 81 in Vietnam

The death toll from typhoon Mirinae has risen to at least 81 in Vietnam. Authorities are stepping up rescue and relief operations.

In the hardest-hit coastal province of Phu Yen,in south central coast Vietnam, 24 more deaths have been reported. An additional 18 people have been reported missing.

Rescue officials said soldiers using speed boats continue to move people from flooded homes. The rescued victims are being provided with food and water.

Vietnam's national committee for flood and storm control says the storm and flooding has left 52 people injured, destroyed or damaged 14-thousand homes and damaged more than 10,000 acres of crops.

Mirinae is the second typhoon to strike Vietnam in two months. The last one, Ketsana, killed 160 people in September.