US announces extra $500,000 in emergency aid for Vietnam storm victims

"In response to the devastation caused by the successive storms, the U.S. is providing life-saving assistance to families and communities most affected to ensure their basic needs, such as shelter and clean water, are met," the embassy said in a statement on its official Facebook page.

The funding will help deliver critical relief to some of the hardest-hit areas and reinforce the Vietnamese government's ongoing recovery efforts following widespread damage inflicted by the two storms.

The embassy noted that this contribution follows another $500,000 provided in October to support Vietnam's response to earlier extreme weather events.

It emphasized that the U.S.–Vietnam partnership is grounded in shared priorities, including maintaining a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific region.

The assistance reflects the close ties between the two nations' peoples and underscores Washington's commitment to helping Vietnam alleviate hardship, strengthen crisis response, and build greater resilience.

"The enduring bonds between our peoples, strengthened by a vibrant Vietnamese-American community, are at the heart of our relationship," the embassy added.

According to the Vietnam Government Portal, localities from Ha Tinh to Dak Lak were hit by consecutive natural disasters in late October and early November, including historic flooding in Hue and Da Nang following the landfall of the two storms.

The disasters caused extensive loss of life and severe damage to homes, schools, essential infrastructure, and production activities, particularly aquaculture.

Preliminary data from central Vietnam show 66 people dead or missing and 160 injured.

More than 2,500 houses collapsed, nearly 60,000 were damaged or lost roofs, and over 176,000 were inundated.

About 25,000 hectares of rice and crops were destroyed, more than 162,000 cattle and poultry died, 182 boats were sunk or damaged, and nearly 63,000 aquaculture cages were affected.

Total losses are estimated at more than VND14.5 trillion ($550.4 million).

The Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said Vietnam is among the countries most severely affected by natural disasters, with both the frequency and intensity of such events rising due to climate change.

Storms, floods, droughts, landslides, and saltwater intrusion cause major loss of life and property every year, disrupt socio-economic activities, and directly impact the livelihoods of millions of people.