The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development provides an update on the damage caused by super typhoon Yagi (Storm No. 3).

The storm's impact has been described as catastrophic, leaving 24 people dead and more than 200 injured as of the morning of September 9th. Critical infrastructure, including power and telecommunications in affected areas, has been severely damaged, with only partial restoration achieved thus far. The agricultural sector has also suffered extensive losses, with nearly 100,000 hectares of rice fields damaged, along with significant destruction of fruit crops and banana plantations.

During a recent meeting with international partners, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development discussed the ongoing recovery efforts and the urgent needs of affected communities. The ministry outlined the immediate priorities, including stabilizing housing for displaced families, ensuring food security, and reopening schools for children in the impacted regions. They also emphasized the importance of quick damage assessments to guide effective and timely responses.

Amidst this crisis, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, Pauline Fatima Tamesis, emphasized the organization's deep concern for the Vietnamese people. She assured that the United Nations would continue to work closely with all partners to support recovery efforts and strengthen resilience against future natural disasters. The UN's commitment focuses on aiding the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and people with disabilities, ensuring they receive the protection and assistance they need.

Ramla Khalidi, UNDP's Resident Representative in Vietnam, reiterated the organization's readiness to provide technical support and risk analysis. She highlighted that UNDP is prepared to mobilize resources within the organization and through its network to offer essential supplies, including food and housing assistance, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.

International organizations present at the meeting expressed their condolences for the losses suffered by Vietnam and confirmed their commitment to supporting the country’s recovery. They pledged to work alongside Vietnamese authorities and local communities to assess the damage and address the most pressing needs of those affected by the disaster.

Ngoc Huyen