The European Union is providing €1.3 million (over VND35.6 billion) to provide critical humanitarian assistance to families affected by severe flooding, which has wreaked havoc across large parts of central Vietnam since the beginning of October.

Flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains in the central province of Vietnam from October 6-25 had left 130 dead and 18 others missing.

According to the European External Action Service, the aid will focus on addressing the urgent needs of the most affected people in the central provinces of Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue provinces.

“This contribution underlines our solidarity with the people of Vietnam, 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. “The EU funding will support our humanitarian partners in delivering life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable, ensuring they have enough means to go through this difficult time.” 

The funding, which is part of the EU’s Acute Large Emergency Response Tool, will support the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Save the Children and World Vision in delivering much-needed assistance to those most in need. This includes 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. Cash transfers will also be provided, allowing people to buy food or items of their choice. Special attention will be placed on the most vulnerable and marginalised groups,including female-headed households and people with disabilities.

Flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains in the central province of Vietnam from October 6-25 had left 130 dead and 18 others missing. Three hardest-hit provinces which saw the largest number of fatalities were Quang Tri with 50 deaths, Thua Thien-Hue 31, and Quang Binh 19.