European Union releases €650 000 in humanitarian aid to help communities affected by recent cyclones and floods in Vietnam

Following a series of strong tropical cyclones in past weeks, which have increased the impact of the monsoon rains and caused severe flooding, the European Union has decided to allocate €650,000 in humanitarian aid to help the most affected population in Northern and Central Vietnam.

Out of the total allocation, €500 000 will be granted to UNICEF. The funding will help address the most urgent needs of affected communities, including access to drinking water, water treatment equipment and cleaning supplies. 

Another €150 000 will support the Viet Nam Red Cross Society to continue delivering assistance to people that have lost their homes and livelihoods. The funding will be used to provide cash assistance for essential supplies such as food and household items, rebuilding materials or water tanks. Hygiene activities are also planned to prevent health risks linked to the floods. This allocation is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Furthermore, upon request from the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority VDDMA, the EU rapidly activated on October 11th the Copernicus Emergency Management Service to produce satellite-based emergency maps, which is already supporting central & local authorities and humanitarian agencies in the delivery and coordination of the humanitarian response.

In the past, the EU has also provided humanitarian aid in response to earlier disasters in the country. Last year, in the aftermath of the deadly cyclone Yagi, the EU provided €800,000 in humanitarian assistance to help the affected population in Vietnam.

Background 

The European Union and its Member States are the world's leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.

Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the European Union provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.