HARARE, Zimbabwe, Dec. 5  -- The Zimbabwean government has asked for British help in dealing with a cholera epidemic that has claimed hundreds of lives.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, often blamed by President Robert Mugabe for Zimbabwe's economic free fall, responded by promising at least $15 million in assistance, The Times of London reported.

At least 570 people have died of cholera and 13,000 have become infected in recent weeks. Some of the sick have crossed into South Africa seeking medical care, the newspaper said.

The disease, spread by ingestion of contaminated food or water, can be prevented by proper sanitation.

"Our central hospitals are literally not working," David Parirenyatwa, the Health minister, said. "Our staff is demotivated and we need your support to ensure that they start coming to work and our health system is revived."

Brown attacked Mugabe as he promised to help.

"Mugabe's failed state is no longer willing or capable of protecting its people," he said in The Times' report. "Thousands are stricken with cholera and must be helped urgently." (UPI)