International aid helps Vietnam recover from typhoons and floods

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam has received international emergency assistance after four consecutive storms, Bualoi, Matmo, Fengshen and Kalmaegi, triggered widespread flooding and destruction across the country's northern and central regions, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

The aid packages, contributed by foreign governments, embassies and international organizations, are focused on localities hit hardest by floods and storm circulation over the past weeks

Australia contributed more than US$1.93 million, followed by South Korea ($1 million), the European Union ($532,000), the US ($500,000) and the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance ($216,000).

Other key contributors include World Vision ($350,000), Samaritan’s Purse ($280,000), Save the Children ($180,000), CARE International ($150,000), CRS ($100,000), UN Women ($85,000), Habitat for Humanity Vietnam ($76,000), Plan International ($58,000), the Government of Canada ($50,000), ActionAid Vietnam ($29,300), and among others.

Most assistance comes in the form of cash, hygiene kits, house-repair materials, food and educational supplies, ensuring affected families can resume daily life as soon as possible. Relief have been distributed across northern and central provinces of Vietnam.

The US announces more emergency aid

The US is providing $500,000 to deliver immediate relief to families and individuals and bolster ongoing relief efforts led by the Vietnamese Government in the wake of these storms. This adds to the $500,000 in relief aid Washington provided in October.

“Our life-saving assistance reflects the deep ties between our peoples and our commitment to the US-Vietnam relationship, enabling us to alleviate suffering, respond effectively in times of crisis, and build a more resilient future together,” said the embassy.

WWF aids Danang's recovery

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) also joined relief efforts, presenting a symbolic donation of $40,000 to help Danang recover from heavy rains and Typhoon Kalmaegi.

Martin Kabaluapa Kapinga, Chief of Country Offices Division at WWF, praised the city’s authorities and residents for their environmental protection efforts and extended condolences for losses caused by recent storms.

Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the Danang People’s Committee, thanked WWF for its support and called for continued collaboration on biodiversity strategy, environmental education and public awareness campaigns.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep said international aid has reached typhoon-hit residents, but significant work remains over the next six months to restore production and daily life.

He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and knowledge sharing to improve Vietnam’s disaster resilience amid increasingly extreme weather patterns.

As of mid-November, Vietnam has endured 22 natural disasters this year, including 13 storms (six striking the mainland) and four tropical depressions, leaving over 250 people dead and nearly 500 injured.

Economic losses are estimated at more than VND35 trillion ($1.4 billion), or about 0.2% of GDP, roughly half the losses recorded in 2024.