The governments of Australia and the U.S. will offer US$3 million in immediate humanitarian aid to support Vietnam’s efforts to cope with the destruction of typhoon Yagi.

Australia will provide Vietnam with A$3 million ($2 million) in humanitarian relief, emergency supplies, and other essential services in response to the devastating typhoon, according to a press release from its Minister for Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

The Australian government acknowledges that typhoon Yagi is the most powerful storm to have hit Vietnam in over three decades.

Ongoing heavy rainfall in the mountainous region has led to severe flooding and landslides causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

More than 150 deaths have been reported and over 9,500 houses and 550 health facilities damaged.

Around 19 million people live in the affected provinces.

Two million school children are at risk of disruption to learning.

Therefore, the Australian government will provide Vietnam with assistance, including services delivered through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership in collaboration with local organizations that support the most affected and vulnerable communities.

It delivered emergency relief supplies on a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster on Wednesday night.

The supplies include 264 hygiene kits, 120 kitchen sets, 600 blankets, 264 home repair kits, 600 sleeping mats, 522 tarpaulins, and 360 mosquito nets.

Australia emphasized that its contribution complements the efforts of the Vietnamese government and will be guided by local needs and priorities.

Additionally, the support will focus on rapid response and early recovery for the most vulnerable, including women, children and people with disabilities, and communities in isolated rural and remote regions.

Andrew Goledzinowski, Ambassador of Australia to Vietnam, affirmed that Australia will assist Vietnam in every way possible.

“We are pleased we’ve been able to quickly mobilize support to the most impacted areas," the diplomat added.

"Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones or have missing members."

After receiving the Australian aid, the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, handed it over to authorities of Yen Bai Province, northern Vietnam for distribution to residents impacted by the storm.

Vu Thi Hien Hanh, vice-chairwoman of the People’s Committee in Yen Bai, expressed her deep gratitude for Australia’s timely support while attending the handover ceremony at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi the same night.

In related news, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper announced on Wednesday evening that the U.S. Mission to Vietnam, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide $1 million in immediate humanitarian aid to support Vietnam’s efforts to respond to the devastating impacts of typhoon Yagi.

With more heavy rain forecast in the coming days, USAID’s disaster experts continue to monitor humanitarian needs in close coordination with local emergency authorities and partners on the ground. 

USAID humanitarian experts on the ground are participating in ongoing assessments to ensure U.S. assistance rapidly reaches populations in need.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to all families who have lost loved ones and to those severely affected by the typhoon. The U.S. remains a committed partner to Vietnam, standing by your side in responding to and recovering from this unprecedented natural disaster," said Ambassador Knapper.

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development received pledges of emergency assistance for typhoon-hit victims from a number of international organizations.

Among them, the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management will provide Vietnam with a substantial aid package from Friday to Saturday.

The consignment will include 2,002 family kits, 1,008 home repair kits, 1,015 kitchen kits, and 3,031 personal hygiene kits.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency is set to send 40 portable water filters and 200 multi-purpose plastic tarps to the Noi Bai airport between September 16 and 17.

Typhoon Yagi made landfall on Vietnam's northeastern coast on Saturday last week, devastating a swathe of industrial and residential areas and bringing heavy rain that caused floods and landslides.

As of 11:00 am on Wednesday, 155 people were killed and 141 others remained unaccounted for due to flash floods, landslides, and a bridge collapse in the wake of the typhoon, according to statistics from the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority.

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