Back-to-back typhoons have left a trail of destruction across Vietnam’s northern and central provinces. Typhoon Wipha struck in late July, bringing torrential rains, hurricane-force winds, and deadly landslides that devastated rural communities already struggling to recover from past storms. Just weeks later, Typhoon Kajiki tore through the region again, compounding the suffering and displacing thousands more families.
Samaritan’s Purse has been on the ground since the first storm hit, rushing critical relief supplies to affected families and sharing hope with them in the midst of disaster. So far, our teams have reached more than 2,000 families with food, blankets, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and hygiene supplies.
“I’m so thankful that God has placed our team in a position to provide comfort and practical support during challenging times.”
— Dave Kletzing, Samaritan’s Purse Country Director in Vietnam
In the highland provinces of Dien Bien and Nghe An, where Wipha first made landfall, Samaritan’s Purse teams trekked up steep mountain passes and through mud-entrenched roads to reach families who had lost everything. More than 600 relief kits were distributed, each containing blankets, mosquito nets, cooking pots, salt, oil, milk, and hygiene essentials.
For many, these supplies were a lifeline.
“When I returned home from the fields with my children, my limbs were shaking. I fell down and could only cry,” said Chanh, a mother whose home was destroyed by the storm. “There was nothing left. I am grateful that Samaritan’s Purse provided me with blankets and pots so I no longer need to borrow from my neighbours.”
Another survivor, Lua, shared a Vietnamese proverb to express her gratitude: “A piece when hungry is worth more than a whole package when full.” She said, “At night, I sleep without a mosquito net, so this gift is really necessary for me. Thank you very much.”
Samaritan’s Purse staff unload relief kits to distribute to hurting families in remote mountain villages of northwestern Vietnam.As families began to recover from Wipha, Typhoon Kajiki brought new devastation to Vietnam’s north-central provinces. Seven people were killed as violent winds and flash floods ripped through Thanh Hoa and Ha Tinh, burying homes under thick mud and contaminating local water sources.
“Our family was already very poor, and now we don’t even have a home to live in,” said Tam, a mother of three who watched her house slide into the mud. “I am very thankful to Samaritan’s Purse. This gift is truly essential for my family at this time.”
Nearby, Mai and her husband escaped with their children by breaking through a window as rocks and mud poured into their home. “The fear from that moment still haunts me,” she said, as her family loaded their relief supplies onto a motorcycle.
To date, Samaritan’s Purse has provided more than 1,300 families in the affected provinces with emergency food, blankets, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, cooking pots, and clean water.
Tam is grateful for the abundance of supplies she received from Samaritan’s Purse.
Mai (centre) and her husband departed the Samaritan’s Purse distribution site with a newfound sense of hope, and relief supplies piled on their motorcycle.
Partner staff unload buckets full of Samaritan’s Purse relief supplies to distribute to families reeling from Typhoon Kajiki.“I have seen the devastation Typhoon Kajiki has caused—families have lost their homes, livelihoods, and a sense of security,” said Dave Kletzing. “Samaritan’s Purse is committed to standing with these communities—providing emergency relief, restoring hope, and working alongside local authorities to rebuild lives. In every storm, we are reminded that compassion and faith can bring light even in the darkest moments.”
Please continue to pray for the families across Vietnam who are rebuilding after these back-to-back storms, and for our teams as they bring aid and the love of Christ to those in need.
Our staff takes the time to listen to each individual, and remind them that they are not alone during these hard times.
