HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — A 69-year-old watchman in Vietnam has been rescued after surviving three nights and two days clinging to a tree to avoid a flash flood sparked by Tropical Storm Mirinae.
The man couldn't swim so he managed to climb the tree when the floodwaters came.
A military helicopter was finally able to reach him Thursday, but the first cable holding a soldier snapped as it was being lowered.
The soldier was able to swim to safety but authorities say the man became even more spooked and initially refused to go when a second cable got to him.
The man survived by catching rainwater in his construction helmet.
Soldiers were also able to get him food and a mobile phone Wednesday.
They used the phone to calm his fears about the rescue from a disaster that has claimed at least 108 lives in central Vietnam.
Officials say the storm has also destroyed or damaged more than 27,000 homes and ravaged some 74,000 acres of rice and other crops.
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<<APPHOTO HAN101 (11/03/09)>>
: A flooded house is seen in Phu Yen area in Vietnam, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009. The death toll from Tropical Storm Mirinae rose to 57 in Vietnam on Wednesday as authorities stepped up rescue and relief operations in the affected central regions.
<<APPHOTO HAN104 (11/04/09)>>
: Rescue workers pull a boat through flooded waters in Binh Dinh province, in south central coast, in Vietnam, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009. The death toll from Tropical Storm Mirinae rose to 57 in Vietnam on Wednesday as authorities stepped up rescue and relief operations in the affected central regions.
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