A man in Hoà Vang District of the central city Đà Nẵng uses a floating tyre to move around in the floodwater caused by storm Molave that made landfall last week. — VNA/VNS Photo Quốc Dũng

HÀ NỘI — The UK government has announced it is donating GBP 500,000 (US$650,500 USD) to support flood-hit victims in the central region.

According to the UK Embassy in Việt Nam, the donation is part of the 1-million-GBP aid package for Việt Nam and the Philippines – both countries that have been particularly impacted by recent tropical storms.

The aid will be transferred to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies through the British Red Cross, helping to provide more accommodations, clean water and food, and support livelihoods for about 160,000 people affected by natural disasters in Việt Nam.

Speaking at the ceremony to announce the aid package, Minister for Asia at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Nigel Adams said the aid is expected to contribute to providing food, clean water and safe shelters for those in need most, while assisting the two nations in recovering from effects of catastrophic natural disasters.

UK Ambassador to Việt Nam Gareth Ward has expressed his sympathy over loss of lives and assets caused by the recent storms.

The aid will contribute to efforts of the Vietnamese Government and localities in supporting communities affected by the natural disasters, he said.

Việt Nam has been hit by four strong typhoons that has resulted in serious floods, landslides, and destruction of infrastructure in the central region. The lives of more than 1.3 million people in the region are seriously affected, while nearly 300,000 houses were flooded and damaged. — VNS