Japan sends emergency relief supplies to help flood-hit residents in Vietnam

This shipment marks the first international relief delivery following a series of severe natural disasters that struck Vietnam in September and October.

According to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Vietnam has been battered by four major storms over the past two months, including Mitag, Ragasa, Bualoi, and Matmo, along with widespread flooding that devastated infrastructure and agriculture in multiple regions.

Storm Mitag and super typhoon Ragasa, the eighth and ninth storms to hit the East Vietnam Sea in 2025, made landfall in northern and central provinces early last month, causing initial damage to crops and transport systems.

Late last month, storm Bualoi, the 10th to enter the maritime area this year, hit the north-central provinces of Nghe An and Ha Tinh, inflicting heavy losses.

Before floodwaters could recede, storm Matmo, the 11th to strike the maritime region this year, swept across northern provinces, causing river levels to surpass historical records, especially in Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen, resulting in severe destruction.

Responding to an urgent request from the Vietnamese government, Japan decided to dispatch emergency disaster relief goods through JICA.

The Japan Disaster Relief goods include water purifiers, blankets, multipurpose plastic sheets, and jerry cans, all sourced from JICA’s warehouse to support affected communities and help them recover.

A handover ceremony took place the same day at Noi Bai International Airport, where the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment formally received the aid.

The department will coordinate distribution to Bac Ninh, which suffered extensive flood damage.

Addressing the ceremony, Kobayashi Yosuke, chief representative of JICA Vietnam Office, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to assisting Vietnamese people during this challenging time.

“We are determined to help those affected as quickly as possible. We hope this emergency assistance will reach the most vulnerable and help them stabilize their lives soon,” he said.

JICA emphasized that the relief effort reflects the strong partnership and enduring solidarity between Japan and Vietnam.