South Korea grants US$1 million to support IOM’s disaster response in Vietnam
The funding will allow IOM to assist displaced people, affected communities and migrants through both immediate relief and early recovery programs.
THE HANOI TIMES — The Government of South Korea has pledged US$1 million to support the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in providing emergency relief to northern and central Vietnam, following a series of typhoons and floods since late September.
A woman in a flood-hit area receives cash assistance from IOM staff. Photo courtesy of the organization.
The funding will allow IOM to assist displaced people, affected communities and migrants through both immediate relief and early recovery programs.
Typhoons Bualoi and Matmo, along with severe flooding, have left more than 85 people dead or missing and damaged over 545,600 homes. Hundreds of thousands were forced to evacuate, and preliminary estimates by the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority put total economic losses at VND30.8 trillion (US$1.17 billion).
IOM’s emergency response prioritizes helping households meet urgent needs through multipurpose cash assistance.
In the early recovery phase, the organization will support the repair and reconstruction of homes with climate-resilient shelter training and conditional cash grants. The project also aims to strengthen early warning systems and reduce disaster risks in close coordination with local authorities.
Choi Youngsam, Ambassador of the South Korea to Vietnam, said the donation reflects his country’s solidarity with Vietnam in times of difficulty.
“As a trusted partner that always stands with Vietnam, we have swiftly decided to provide this humanitarian support in response to the recent typhoons and heavy rains. We will work closely with the Vietnamese Government and IOM to ensure that the support is delivered swiftly to the people most in need," said Youngsam.
We sincerely hope that this assistance will help protect the health and safety of the Vietnamese people and contribute to a speedy recovery from the disaster."
Kendra Rinas, Chief of Mission at IOM Vietnam, said that South Korea has consistently supported IOM’s humanitarian operations in Vietnam.
“We are honored to partner with the Republic of Korea in delivering timely and impactful assistance to communities affected by natural disasters. This critical support will significantly bolster the UN system’s ability to reach vulnerable populations,” she said.
With Typhoons Fengshen and Kalmaegi striking central provinces in late October and early November, additional funding is urgently needed to sustain recovery and preparedness efforts.
As a member of the Vietnam Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership and co-chair of the Emergency Shelter and Non-Food Items sector, IOM previously supported more than 7,500 people across five provinces through a South Korea-funded project following Typhoon Yagi, helping repair or rebuild 224 homes and improving living conditions for 945 individuals.
IOM ensures that aid reaches the most vulnerable, including economically marginalized groups, ethnic minorities, women, girls and persons with disabilities.
