Typhoon Yagi was the worst natural disaster Vietnam has experienced in a generation. Since making landfall on Saturday September 7, Yagi has devastated over 100,000 homes in the country’s northern region with flash flooding and landslides. The reported death toll so far has reached 197, with many more missing or injured.
Samaritan’s Purse is amongst the first to respond in the rural province of Yen Bai, where flash flooding has risen above entire homes along the Red River. Working together with provincial partners, our teams have so far distributed 260 life jackets, 500 flashlights and 1,000 rescue whistles to assist first responders and survivors forced to evacuate their homes.
“I’m using a raft I made from wood and bamboo to deliver food to people in flooded areas. Of course, I am worried because the flood is still rising and the current is fast. But I know people are still isolated without food so I must try. These life vests, flashlights and whistles will protect me. They are very helpful for people isolated by the flood.”
– Tuan, a beneficiary in Tran Yen district (pictured right in orange vest)
“Now days after the storm, search and rescue teams are still rescuing isolated people from flooded areas to safety. Limited equipment cannot meet the needs; there are still many people in danger. Emergency food for people is a great need. Once the flood is gone, there will be a great need for shelter repair and household items to help families recover. The total damage can’t be calculated at this moment, but I think it would take us 5-7 years to come back to where we were before the storm. We need help from organisations and individuals to help Yen Bai people recover.”
– Ha Thi Doa, Vice Chairwoman, Yen Bai Provincial Women Union (pictured left)
For over 20 years, Samaritan’s Purse has provided emergency care after natural disasters and developmental projects across Vietnam to provide farming livelihoods, trafficking protection and maternal health programs. Our teams work with provincial administrators to continue meeting the ongoing needs of those impacted by disaster and poverty.
We invite you to join us in prayer for our teams as they work in affected areas to provide practical relief. Pray for the government, first responders and survivors as they come to terms with the disaster. The needs of the people in Northern Vietnam is great and continues to grow, your support will provide urgently needed relief and hope to survivors as they seek a path towards recovery.
