Global partners join Vietnam’s recovery after devastating typhoons
International organizations have pledged nearly US$10 million to help Vietnam rebuild after devastating typhoons Bualoi and Matmo.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam has highly valued the strong support from foreign diplomatic missions and international partners in helping local communities recover from the recent devastation caused by Typhoons Bualoi and Matmo.
Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, made the statement at the recognition ceremony held by the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership in Hanoi on October 28.
"The assistance has played an important role in recovery and reconstruction. Besides, preparedness and resilience-building are also essential to safeguard lives and livelihoods sustainably," said Hiep.
Pauline Tamesis, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam (right), delivers the organization's humanitarian aid to Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, on October 28 in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of the ministry
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, as of October 28, over 30 embassies and foreign partners have pledged US$9.7 million to help Vietnam rebuild after devastating typhoons Bualoi and Matmo, with $7.2 million in cash and $2.5 million in kind.
The international aid has reached typhoon-hit residents; however, a huge workload needs to be completed in the next six months to restore production and return daily life to normal.
For that reason, the official expressed his hope that ambassadors and international organizations will share their experience and enhance cooperation to help Vietnam improve its disaster resilience amid unprecedented extreme weather patterns.
Pauline Tamesis, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, said that disaster risk reduction partners have joined Vietnam’s recovery efforts. They have pledged to accompany the country in supporting vulnerable people, so that no one is left behind.
Tamesis noted that recovery efforts will take place in two phases, with the first three months focusing on emergency relief to stabilize livelihoods, followed by a six-month recovery phase prioritizing clean water, sanitation, housing and livelihood restoration.
Relief supplies from the AHA Center are delivered to disaster-affected residents in northern province of Cao Bang. Source: The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment
Contributing partners include the Governments of Australia, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the UK and the US; ActionAid, AHA Center, Catholic Relief Services, IOM, FAO, JICA, the UN, UNICEF, Save the Children, Samaritan’s Purse, Tzu Chi Foundation (Taiwan, China), WWF Vietnam, and others.
Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep said all humanitarian goods, including food, medical supplies, water filters, sanitation equipment, blankets and clothing, had reached affected areas to address urgent needs.
"Of the $7.2 million in cash aid, some has already been distributed, and the rest is being processed. By November, we aim to deliver support to about 34,500 households, with each receiving between VND2 million and VND5 million ($76-$190)," Hiep said.
As of October 9, when the ministry issued the appeal for international support, Vietnam has endured 20 types of natural disasters this year, including 11 storms, six of which struck the mainland, and four tropical depressions, leaving 238 dead and nearly 400 injured.
The total economic loss has been estimated at VND35 trillion ($1.4 billion), equal to 0.2% of Vietnam’s GDP, about half the losses recorded in 2024. In the weeks since the appeal, the central region of Vietnam has braced for another typhoon (Fengshen), a tropical depression and widespread flooding. The damage assessment is still underway.
