Int'l community commits to supporting Việt Nam in typhoon Yagi's aftermath, $13 million donated

The deputy agriculture minister Nguyễn Hoàng Hiệp chairs the meeting. — Photo from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development received emergency aid on Wednesday for those affected by Typhoon Yagi, with contributions from various international organisations and governments.

During the ceremony, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hoàng Hiệp acknowledged the widespread impact and significant devastation caused by the typhoon. Despite a proactive response from the government and relevant ministries, extensive damage from the storm has resulted in severe consequences, with initial loss estimates ranging from $2 billion to $2.5 billion.

“The economic losses are considerable, but this is just the beginning, as it does not account for the long-term impacts that money cannot compensate, including the grief experienced by the children and families who lost loved ones,” the Deputy Minister said.

“In the past few days, Việt Nam has received emergency supplies from numerous organisations and countries. The swift and precise response from embassies, foreign governments and international organisations is crucial for Việt Nam. We are currently assessing the needs of the affected areas to ensure that aid is effectively coordinated,” he added.

Deputy Minister Hiệp highlighted that Việt Nam’s top priority is economic recovery. Many families that had previously made efforts to escape poverty are now back in impoverished conditions due to the storm. Consequently, Việt Nam is seeking sustained support in the future, including assistance with livelihoods and disaster preparedness.

Pauline Tamesis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Việt Nam, reported that the UN has organised assessment teams to evaluate the damage from Typhoon Yagi across eight sectors, including water, sanitation, health, education, food assistance and shelter. She pledged to continue strengthening capacity and mobilising resources to help Việt Nam through this challenging period.

"We are committed that the UN, as leaders of the sector, is ready to produce a joint response plan that will allow us to mobilise the support of the donors and, in particular, ensure coordination of our efforts so that we fully support the most vulnerable populations,” she said.

Ambassador Iain Frew of the UK noted that recovery after a disaster takes time, and the UK government hopes to assist Việt Nam during the recovery and reconstruction phases.

During the ceremony, US Ambassador Marc Knapper emphasised that the US will stand with Việt Nam during this difficult time and respond as effectively as possible to support affected citizens.

“We commend the hard work of Việt Nam's government officials, security officers and military personnel for their efforts to address the needs of those who have suffered,” he remarked.

Indian Ambassador Sandeep Arya expressed satisfaction that emergency aid from the Indian government and people has been promptly delivered to those impacted by the floods, noting that the Indian business community and residents in Việt Nam are also extending support individually in coordination with local authorities.

In closing the ceremony, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hoàng Hiệp extended heartfelt gratitude for the support from various countries and international organisations in helping Việt Nam recover from the impacts of Typhoon Yagi, expressing a desire for continued assistance during the reconstruction phase.

To date, preliminary estimates show that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other stakeholders, has mobilised over $13 million in commitments and received 200 tonnes of relief supplies from the governments of Australia, Switzerland, India, Japan (JICA), the ASEAN AHA Centre and various UN agencies (UNDP, UNICEF), as well as Samaritan’s Purse. The ministry has efficiently coordinated the distribution of aid to affected areas, including to Yên Bái, Lào Cai, Cao Bằng, Tuyên Quang and Lạng Sơn.

On the same day, according to information from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Irish Embassy announced a grant of €250,000 (approximately VNĐ6.8 billion) to respond to the severe impacts of the typhoon. This funding, provided through UNICEF, aims to supply clean water and sanitation materials to ensure the health of children and vulnerable households affected by the disaster. — VNS