Japan provides $2 million in urgent support for Vietnam’s critical relief from Typhoon Yagi

The Government of Japan has announced a $2 million contribution to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to support Vietnam’s critical relief and early recovery efforts after Typhoon Yagi, the Vietnam News Agency quoted the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam as reporting on October 12.

Of the contribution, $1 million  will be spent on essential water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and child protection services provided through UNICEF Vietnam serving 21,251 people, and the other $1 million will go to IOM Vietnam to provide emergency shelter and non-food items support for more than 16,800 individuals in hardest hit provinces.

H.E. Ito Naoki, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, was quoted by the news agency as saying that the Government of Japan intends to ensure that this funding will support the recovery amongst some of Vietnam’s most vulnerable communities in hard-hit rural areas.

This contribution will help address the urgent needs of children and families affected by the most destructive typhoon that hit the country in 70 years.

With widespread destruction across the northern provinces, the typhoon killed more than 300 people and destroyed or damaged more than 100,000 homes, schools and healthcare facilities. Over 237,000 families have been displaced, an estimated 570,000 people lack access to safe water and sanitation, and child protection risks have been exacerbated.

This funding will also play a catalytic role in facilitating broader multi-sectoral coordination, enhancing efforts across shelters, health, education, and nutrition services to meet the comprehensive needs of children and families. As part of the United Nations’ (UN) joint plan in cooperation with the Government of Vietnam, UNICEF and IOM are focused on supporting the most vulnerable children and families, including those who have been displaced.

Despite all relief efforts, further support is essential to ensure safe spaces and access to essential services for affected populations. The funds provided by Japan will enable IOM and UNICEF to expand their reach and accelerate recovery efforts.

The Government of Japan's contribution will also address gender-based vulnerabilities by supporting the repair of sanitation facilities, improving lighting in evacuation centers, and promoting the safety of women and girls through targeted interventions.

Ms. Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative to Vietnam, as quoted by the news agency, said that the support from the Government of Japan comes at a pivotal moment when children and families in areas affected by the typhoon are facing unimaginable hardships.

She said the support will undoubtedly support communities in restoring access to WASH and essential child protection services that have been impaired, damaged or destroyed by the typhoon.

Ms. Mitsue Pembroke, Officer in Charge of IOM Vietnam, said that through the Vietnam Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership together with provincial and local authorities and actors, IOM will ensure coordinated efforts to support the most vulnerable individuals displaced from their homes, especially the economically marginalized, women, girls and persons with disabilities.

To date, the Japanese government has provided emergency relief, including water purifiers and plastic sheets for 2,000 families through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as well as other emergency supplies worth $320,000  through the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Center (AHA Center) and UNICEF.

The country also provided disaster relief goods via the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Centre (AHA Centre) with about 2,000 family kits, 1,000 shelter repair kits, 1,000 kitchen sets and 3,000 personal hygiene kits, with a total value of about $250,000, of which Japan provided approximately $230,000  through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

In addition, provision of disaster relief goods through UNICEF included 850 water tanks worth $70,000 .