EU, Australia announce over $2.5mn in humanitarian aid to support storm-hit residents in Vietnam

Australia will contribute up to AUD3 million ($1.940 million) in assistance, including emergency relief supplies such as kitchen kits, hygiene kits, and shelter tool kits, according to a press release on the official website of Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Tuesday.

Australia will also mobilize the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to enable Australian non-government organizations to deliver lifesaving assistance.

This funding will provide support through United Nations agencies.

Foreign Minister Wong said Australia stands with Vietnam in its time of need.

“We know the path to recovery will take some time and, as longstanding friends and partners, Australia will continue to work with Vietnam on immediate relief efforts and building disaster resilience,” she said.

Anne Aly, Australian Minister for International Development, said, "Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by the recent destructive typhoons.

“Australia and Vietnam are partnering together to ensure families and the most vulnerable, including women, children, and people with disability, receive lifesaving assistance."

Meanwhile, the European Union has decided to allocate €500,000 ($580,000) in humanitarian aid to assist the most affected population in northern and central Vietnam, according to the EU Delegation to Vietnam.

The EU funding will help address urgent needs such as access to clean drinking water, water treatment equipment, and cleaning supplies.

The bloc’s latest contribution follows previous humanitarian efforts in Vietnam.

Last year, the EU provided €800,000 ($925,000) in humanitarian aid after typhoon Yagi struck Vietnam, reaffirming its continued support for disaster-affected communities in the region.

Aside from the bloc and Australia, the Japanese government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, has sent emergency relief supplies to flood-affected areas in Vietnam, including the northern province of Bac Ninh.

The Japan Disaster Relief goods, including water purifiers, blankets, multipurpose plastic sheets, and jerry cans, arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Monday.