Relief aid -- including solar-powered flashlights, kitchen sets, water filters and tents -- from Samaritan's Purse and the Swiss Government were delivered to Nội Bài International Airport in Hà Nội on September 16, 2024, before being transported to the three northern mountainous provinces hardest hit by the powerful typhoon Yagi (Lào Cai, Cao Bằng, and Yên Bái provinces). — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The support from the international community, as well as from overseas Vietnamese, for the victims of Typhoon Yagi is immensely valuable, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phạm Thu Hằng said on Thursday.

Typhoon Yagi is the most powerful storm to hit mainland Việt Nam in 70 years. The typhoon, along with the severe flooding and landslides caused by heavy downpours in its wake, has left 329 people dead and missing in 26 northern localities, while economic damages have reached upwards of US$2.5 billion.

At a press briefing held in Hà Nội, the spokesperson said that recently, many countries and international organisations have sent letters and messages of condolence to express solidarity and extend their sympathies over the huge scale of human loss and property damage faced by the Government and people of Việt Nam, particularly in the northern provinces and cities severely affected by the typhoon.

Many have also "provided direct and indirect support, in the form of finance, accommodation supplies, rescue and relief equipment, essential goods, as well as experts to help Việt Nam recover from the serious consequences of the typhoon as quickly as possible," Hằng told the media.

Following the spirit of mutual support and the call of domestic authorities, the Vietnamese community both in Việt Nam and abroad has donated money, equipment and necessary supplies to directly and indirectly assist people in the affected provinces and cities, helping them quickly stabilise their lives.

According to Hằng, so far overseas Vietnamese have contributed VNĐ13 billion (about $529,000) in direct support and will continue to raise more funds to assist the localities and people affected by the severe storm.

As of September 18, an incomplete report indicated that the embassies of countries, UN organisations and other international organisations have committed over $13 million in aid to Việt Nam. The country has also received 200 tonnes of supplies from Australia, Switzerland, India, Japan, ASEAN AHA, UNICEF and UNDP as well as Samaritan's Purse.

"Việt Nam cherishes the spirit of solidarity, the timely messages of goodwill and the support of the international community and overseas Vietnamese for the Government and people of Việt Nam in overcoming the severe damage caused by natural disasters, storms and floods. This helps stabilise the situation so people can resume their daily lives, restore production and business activities and promote growth," spokesperson Hằng underlined.

Also at the press conference, in response to a question regarding the protection and safety of Vietnamese fishermen and boats seeking shelter from Typhoon Soulik, which has since weakened into a tropical depression, the spokesperson said the Government leader has signed a directive on responses to the tropical depression/typhoon.

Following the Prime Minister’s and Foreign Ministry's directives, Việt Nam's diplomatic missions in China and nearby areas have urgently worked with local authorities to provide updates and information about Typhoon Soulik and request support for Vietnamese boats and fishermen at sea who were unable to return to land to take shelter from the storm.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also sent diplomatic notes to foreign embassies in Hà Nội, coordinating the timely exchange of information to report back to their respective countries and take necessary support measures in case of emergency rescue and relief for Vietnamese fishermen and boats," Hằng said. — VNS