EU, Australia boost aid for Vietnam after deadly storms Kalmaegi, Fengshen

The EU Delegation to Vietnam said on Thursday that the bloc had released an additional €200,000 (over US$232,000) in emergency aid after storm Kalmaegi swept through the country.

This follows €650,000 (US$760,000) provided last month in response to earlier tropical storms that intensified monsoon rains and caused widespread flooding.

To strengthen relief efforts, the EU activated the Copernicus Emergency Management Service in October to generate satellite-based emergency maps for coordinating humanitarian operations.

The bloc has a long history of supporting Vietnam in disaster response. Last year, after typhoon Yagi caused significant casualties and damage, the EU allocated €800,000 (US$930,600) in humanitarian aid for affected communities.

Vietnam has also activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to request in-kind assistance, which enables a coordinated response by relaying Vietnam's needs to EU member states and participating countries through a single contact point.

Australia is also stepping up support, announcing an additional AUD800,000 (US$523,000) in humanitarian assistance for central Vietnamese communities affected by storms Fengshen and Kalmaegi, according to the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.

Storm Kalmaegi alone claimed six lives in Vietnam following weeks of record rainfall and flooding in central provinces that killed 50 people and destroyed homes, businesses, and livelihoods.

Australia's latest aid builds on AUD3 million (US$2 million) previously committed for those impacted by storms Bualoi and Matmo, the 10th and 11th storms to strike the East Vietnam Sea this year.

The new funding will be delivered through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership in coordination with the Vietnamese government, focusing on ensuring that vulnerable groups such as women, children, and people with disabilities receive urgent support.

"As a comprehensive strategic partner, we have responded quickly to Vietnam's call for support," said Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird.

"We are committed to working hand-in-hand with local partners to ensure our support reaches those who need it most.

"I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to everyone affected by recent flooding and typhoons in central Vietnam. Australia will continue to work with partners to help communities recover and rebuild."