Water supplies in a drought-stricken province in central Vietnam are running out fast, triggering growing fears of health hazards. Quang Tri province has already appealed for emergency aid as it struggles with its worst water crisis in more than a century. Tens of thousands of people are at risk from diseases and food shortages, say Quang Tri authorities. Some people have to travel 10-15 kilometres to fetch water.

Quang Tri and its neighbouring provinces make only a minor contribution to key rice and coffee crops in Vietnam. But the drought highlights unusual weather patterns in Asia, where some parts of the region are experiencing severe floods. "We can meet only 25 per cent of the water demand. We have mobilised all resources," said Le Dang Ninh, director of the Quang Tri water supply and drainage company.

Ngyyen Van Bai, vice-director of the provincial agriculture and rural development department, said that there still had been no fresh rains in the province, home to 560,000 people. The province's aid appeal stated that around 100,000 people were facing food shortages due to destroyed crops.