Rising river water has flooded much of the Thanh An Commune, Cam Lộ District in the central province Quảng Trị. — VNA/VNS Photo Hồ Cầu

HÀ NỘI — The European Union announced on Wednesday that it would provide EUR1.3 million (over VNĐ35.6 billion, or US$1.5 million) to bring “critical humanitarian assistance to families affected by severe flooding” in central Việt Nam.

The region has suffered historic flooding from prolonged downpours and successive typhoons since early this month, which had by October 25 resulted in 130 deaths and 18 missing persons.

At least 1.3 million people in the region have been affected, and on Wednesday a powerful typhoon continued to lash the region, with more damage and losses expected.

Serious damage to transport infrastructure has been reported, while nearly ten thousand hectares of crops and nearly a million cattle and poultry have been lost in the floods.

“This contribution underlines our solidarity with the people of Việt Nam, many of whom have suffered the loss of homes, livelihoods and belongings in the wake of the devastating floods,” said Olivier Brouant, who oversees the EU’s humanitarian response in the Mekong region, in a press statement

“The EU funding will support our humanitarian partners in delivering life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable, ensuring they have enough means to get through this difficult time.”

The EU said the funding included the distribution of hygiene kits and other essential relief items “while ensuring access to drinking water, sanitation facilities and the promotion of good hygiene practices,” in addition to cash transfers for people to use to buy essential goods.

“Special attention will be placed on the most vulnerable and marginalised groups, including female-headed households and people with disabilities,” the statement said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday sent a telegram to Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, expressing her “deep condolences” for the families of the victims.

She also wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Government of Ireland has decided to provide an initial humanitarian aid package worth EUR260,000 (about VNĐ7 billion) for victims of the floodings in Quảng Bình and Quảng Trị province, according to a press release by the Ireland's embassy in Hà Nội on Wednesday. 

Thai King Maha Vajiralongorn and his wife on Monday sent a message of sympathy to Party General Secretary and President Nguyễn Phú Trọng over the loss of life and assets caused by the flooding and landslides in central Việt Nam.

The Thai royal couple expressed their deep condolences to people in flood-hit areas and families of officials and soldiers who had died in the line of duty.

They said they hoped the natural disasters would end soon so that Việt Nam could overcome the aftermath as early as possible.

The Vietnamese Permanent Mission to the UN, the World Trade Organisation and other international organisations in Geneva, Switzerland, held a fundraising event on Tuesday (local time) to support victims of the floods.

The event was responded to by all members of the mission and the Vietnamese community in Switzerland despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the event, Ambassador Lê Thị Tuyết Mai spoke highly of the assistance that the Vietnamese community in Switzerland had donated to disaster-hit people at home in response to the call from President Trọng and PM Phúc.

She briefed participants about the serious impacts of the recent storms and floods as well as the support offered by the political system and people across the country to help the region overcome the disasters.

Earlier, the Vietnamese community in Switzerland also sent aid to affected residents in the central region.

The same day, the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand also called for assistance to help the victims.

The Việt Nam Fatherland Front has received over VNĐ265 billion (US$11.4 million) in the past two weeks. — VNS