Super Typhoon Yagi tore through northern Vietnam on September 7, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. It was the strongest storm to hit the southeast Asian country in three decades. Nearly 300 people were killed and over 1,900 injured as torrential rainfall triggered massive flash floods and landslides. Sustained winds of 160 km/h ripped homes and businesses apart. What the winds didn’t destroy, floodwaters swallowed. In all, hundreds of thousands of houses, crops, and livestock were wiped out. More than 100,000 people were displaced, having lost everything.
Samaritan’s Purse quickly responded. Our staff waded through flooded streets and neighbourhoods checking on families and distributing hundreds of emergency supplies—lifejackets, torchlights, and whistles. Our DC-8 cargo jet landed several days later with 20 tons of critical aid, including solar lights, household water filters, jerry buckets, and kitchen kits for 3,000 families. An additional load of supplies arrived soon afterward on our Boeing 757 aircraft—and Samaritan’s Purse Australia shipped four pallets containing another 3,500 relief items.
A 78-year-old woman named Tran told our staff, “I’ve lost everything. My house, furniture, crops, and livestock—everything I had was washed away in the landslide.” Tran fled for her life and was able to escape to the home of a nearby relative. But they had no electricity or clean water. When our supplies arrived, she was among the first to receive help. She is now able to filter contaminated water to stay healthy, cook with new kitchen supplies, and see at night with a solar-powered light.
“Thank you, Samaritan’s Purse, for providing these important items at this time,” she said. “I feel very happy and touched by the care.”
Samaritan’s Purse has been working in Vietnam for more than 25 years. We praise God for the strong relationships He has blessed us with that enable us to respond quickly to the hardest-hit areas to help meet critical needs.
God promises His people, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour” (Isaiah 43:2-3).
Volunteers Return to the Gold Coast
Recently, Samaritan’s Purse Australia hosted a two-week community service project to help residents still recovering from the devastating impact of severe storms along the Gold Coast that slammed the region last year. Many families are still struggling with damage to their homes and properties. More than 80 volunteers removed debris, cut up downed trees, and more.
Most importantly, they let the homeowners know that God loves them and hasn’t forgotten them. Thank you to our chaplains and to all those who volunteered to be the hands and feet of Jesus. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
May God bless you.
Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan’s Purse
November Newsletter Impact Stories
Typhoon Yagi Urgent Relief
After Typhoon Yagi, Oanh, a grandmother in Vietnam, found hope through Samaritan’s Purse solar lights and water filters, helping her care for her grandchildren.
Gold Coast: Faith in Action
Ten months on, recovery is slow in the Scenic Rim. Facing bushfire risks, Samaritan’s Purse returned in October with volunteers, equipment, and Christ’s hope to help residents prepare.
Disaster Relief Shower Unit
We aim to raise $100,000 to build an Australian Disaster Relief Shower Unit, providing essential hygiene and restoring dignity to disaster survivors, first responders, and relief volunteers.