People in Yen Dinh, Bac Ninh Province, Rejoice as They Receive Cash Assistance for Livelihood Restoration Post-Typhoon

With humanitarian support from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, thousands of households affected by Typhoon No. 3 (Yagi) and its aftermath are gradually rebuilding their livelihoods and stabilizing their lives. The implementation of Phase II of the project not only reflects the spirit of compassion and community responsibility but also lays a vital foundation for the recovery of production, enhances community disaster response capabilities, and paves the way for sustainable development.

Placing People at the Core of Recovery Efforts

Typhoon No. 3 (Yagi) and its aftermath in 2024 caused particularly severe consequences for many northern midland and mountainous provinces. Prolonged heavy rains, flash floods, landslides, and widespread inundation affected the lives of tens of thousands of households. Many homes were swept away, crops were submerged, and numerous water supply, sanitation, and essential infrastructure facilities were severely damaged.

In response to the extensive damage and urgent needs of the people in flood-affected areas, the Vietnam Red Cross Society launched Phase II of the project "Emergency Appeal for Disaster Recovery, Response, and Reconstruction Post-Typhoon No. 3 and Its Aftermath in 2024" (the project will run until March 31, 2026). This project, funded by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, aims to continue supporting people in recovering from the devastation of the typhoon and enhancing the community’s resilience.

The project focuses on supporting approximately 35,000 people in six provinces: Bac Ninh, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Phu Tho, and Thai Nguyen, with a total funding of over 23 billion VND. These provinces were severely impacted by Typhoon No. 3 and its aftermath, with high rates of poverty, damaged infrastructure, and significant challenges for the people in rebuilding their lives after the disaster.

This project is an integral part of the Vietnam Red Cross's large-scale disaster recovery plan. It highlights the organization’s central role in coordinating and connecting international resources with local needs, ensuring that aid reaches the right people, at the right time, and addresses the most pressing needs.

The Vietnam Red Cross Society, in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, organized a Training Course for Trainers on Vulnerability Assessment and Capacity Building as part of the "Emergency Appeal for Post-Disaster Response, Recovery, and Reconstruction after Typhoon No. 3 and Its Aftermath in 2024" project.

Unlike traditional charity activities, the project’s initiatives are designed with a multi-sectoral approach, closely aligned with the real needs of the people. These include: Conditional cash transfers to support livestock, seedlings, animal feed, fertilizers, and the repair of barns to improve household livelihoods; Conditional cash transfers to support the construction of new toilets, purchase of water storage tanks to improve sanitation conditions for beneficiary families; Public communication activities on clean water, sanitation, and disease prevention in emergencies to stop the spread of infectious diseases and vectors; Capacity-building training for Red Cross branches, response teams, local authorities, and communities on disaster risk reduction, emergency psychological first aid, etc.

The project aims not only to "compensate for the immediate losses" but more importantly, to provide people with a foundation to rebuild their lives after the disaster, restore their livelihoods, improve living conditions, and prepare for the future.

Resilient Recovery After the Floods

Upon the implementation of the project, timely assistance, tailored to actual needs, helped the people gradually overcome the difficult period. Livelihood models were restored, clean water sources improved, housing repaired, and public communication and training sessions helped raise awareness about hygiene, health, and risk prevention. Each activity carried the message of sharing and accompanying the people in stabilizing their lives.

One of the families receiving cash assistance from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, through the Vietnam Red Cross, Mr. Phùng Văn Mau (from Phượng Tiến commune, Thái Nguyên province) shared, "Typhoon No. 3 in 2024 was a huge storm, with heavy rain, rising floodwaters, strong winds, causing significant damage to many households in the village, from rice crops to houses. My family’s fields and gardens were also buried under a thick layer of mud."

"Immediately after the storm, local authorities and Red Cross branches quickly visited to assess the damage and compile reports to propose support for the people. My family is grateful to the Party, the government, and all levels of the Red Cross for their care and support in helping us overcome the damage caused by the disaster. I will use this support to buy livestock and feed to continue developing my economy and gradually stabilize my life," Mr. Mau shared.

Mr. Phùng Văn Mau from Phượng Tiến Commune, Thái Nguyên province (second from the right) shared that he would use the support funds from the project to purchase livestock and animal feed, continue to develop his economy, and gradually stabilize his life.

At a recent aid distribution event, Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Thơm (from Tây Yên Tử town, Bắc Ninh province) expressed her joy, saying: "Receiving this support, I will buy seedlings and expand my livestock farming to quickly restore production and stabilize my family’s economy. I am very happy and thank the Vietnam Red Cross for their timely assistance to people who suffered heavy losses due to Typhoon No. 3."

After some time of project implementation, the lives of the people in the flood-affected areas have gradually stabilized. Livelihoods have been restored, living conditions have become safer, and, importantly, the trust of the people in the support of humanitarian organizations and local authorities has been strengthened.

Spreading Humanitarian Values

The "Emergency Appeal for Post-Typhoon No. 3 and Aftermath Recovery and Reconstruction in 2024" Phase II project not only provides material support but also deeply spreads humanitarian values, solidarity, and community responsibility. The partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, alongside the coordinating role of the Vietnam Red Cross, has contributed to creating a systematic and sustainable disaster recovery support model, with a focus on people at its core.

Ms. La Thi Hue, Vice Chairwoman of Phượng Tiến Commune People’s Committee in Thai Nguyen province, stated: "The livelihood support project implemented by the Vietnam Red Cross is very practical for the local community, especially for households affected by natural disasters. Thanks to this timely assistance, many families have been able to restore production, revive their livelihoods, and gradually stabilize their lives."

On behalf of the leadership of the People's Committee and the people of Phượng Tiến Commune, Mrs. La Thị Huế expressed sincere thanks to the Vietnam Red Cross Society, the Thái Nguyên Provincial Red Cross Society, and other partner organizations and sponsors for their care and support in helping the locality recover from the consequences of the storm and floods. She expressed the hope that, in the future, the community will continue to receive attention and support from all levels of the Red Cross in humanitarian programs and projects, contributing to improving the lives of the local people.

From regions that once “struggled” under the weight of storms and floods, trust is being rekindled, and hope is budding—this is the vital foundation for localities and people to confidently step forward on the path of reconstruction and sustainable development.