HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Red Cross Society (VNRC) has called on local and international organisations, individuals and the community to help those affected by heavy rains and floods in the northern provinces.

A campaign was launched by the society from August 8 to the end of September aimed at mobilising financial and material resources from local and international communities to help flood victims overcome difficulties.

As part of the campaign, the society in collaboration with the National Humanitarian Portal 1400 also kicked off a charity text message drive from today to October 7.

People can support the campaign by texting UH to 1409. Each SMS costs VNĐ20,000 (US$0.9). All the money that is collected will be used to buy essential commodities, build houses and support the livelihood of those affected by the torrential rainfall and help them face challenges.

People can also directly send donations to the VNRC headquarters on 82 Nguyễn Du Street, Hà Nội, or to its southern representative agency on 201 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Road, District 1, HCM City.

Previously, on August 4, the society released emergency aid of more than VNĐ1 billion ($45,600), including money and essential goods, to help flood-affected residents in Yên Bái, Sơn La and Lai Châu provinces overcome difficulties following the heavy rains and floods.

Twenty six people were killed and five others were missing due to floods that occurred in the northern region of the country. Damage was estimated at more than VNĐ940 billion ($41 million). Flood waters washed away more than 25,000cu.m of highways and 118,000cu.m of roads in provinces and districts, according to the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control. — VNS