A batch of emergency relief from Japan landed at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Sunday morning, one day earlier than scheduled, in support of Vietnam’s efforts to cope with the destruction of typhoon Yagi, the third storm to hit the Southeast Asian nation this year.

Vu Xuan Thanh, deputy head of the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, received the humanitarian aid from Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki and Sugano Yuichi, chief representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency office in Vietnam.

The emergency supplies, including 40 water purifiers and 200 plastic tarpaulins valued at US$124,096, will be transported to Yen Bai Province, northern Vietnam on Sunday to support flood-hit households.

The relief shipment had previously been scheduled to arrive in Vietnam on Monday or Tuesday next week.

The earlier arrival of the Japanese aid demonstrated that Japan actively helped Vietnam speed up the post-typhoon recovery.

“A friend in need is a friend indeed,” Ito said at a ceremony to hand over the relief.

“We hope the emergency relief will soon be delivered to typhoon-stricken areas to share the hardship with residents affected by the extreme disaster."

Japan pledged to continue joining hands with Vietnam to restore natural disaster-hit areas.

“I realize that Vietnam’s northern region is prone to landslides and flash floods. Therefore, it is vital to consider providing the region with medium- and long-term support to minimize damage by sharing its experience in fighting calamities,” Ito stated.

Switzerland dispatches experts to Vietnam

A Swiss expert team, along with Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Gass, held their first working session with the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority in Hanoi on Saturday.

Ambassador Gass expressed his condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Vietnam for the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yagi, which began impacting the northern region on September 7.

He reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Vietnam during this challenging time.

The Swiss expert team, comprising eight members, aims to assist Vietnam by conducting surveys and in-depth research on the needs of Yen Bai Province, in order to propose suitable solutions for recovery efforts in the aftermath of the typhoon.

The team is set to start a survey next week.

Besides, Switzerland has sent over 25 metric tons of relief supplies worth 361,140 Swiss francs ($425,390) to Vietnam.

The aid shipment, including family tents and water distribution systems, will arrive in Hanoi on Monday.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!