Receiving 2 million USD in assistance from Korea to mitigate typhoon damage

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep, representing MARD, the authority for disaster prevention, conveyed appreciation to the Government, citizens, and the Korean Embassy in Vietnam for their assistance following the recent damages incurred by Typhoon No. 3.

Vietnam and South Korea have established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in foreign relations. South Korea is the foremost investor in Vietnam and was among the initial countries to declare assistance for individuals impacted by Typhoon No. 3 in Vietnam.

Amidst the storms and floods, Vietnam has been mindful of the effects and losses suffered by South Korean enterprises in the country, including Samsung in Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh. As of now, these enterprises are back to normal production operations.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep reported that Typhoon No. 3 resulted in about 350 fatalities or missing people, with economic damages estimated at USD 2 billion. More than 100,000 residences were destroyed, and infrastructure, transportation, and agricultural output were severely impacted. Consequently, recovery from the aftermath will require an extended duration.

Ambassador Choi Yongsam, representing the South Korean government, expressed heartfelt sympathies to the Vietnamese populace affected by Typhoon No. 3.

Mr. Yongsam stated, "Upon receiving reports of the storm's devastation, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and other leaders conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the Vietnamese populace and expressed optimism for a swift recovery and restoration of normalcy." He also expressed support to the Vietnamese government and populace striving tirelessly to surmount the effects of the storm.

The South Korean Ambassador observed that the damage was mitigated, and recovery efforts are advancing rapidly due to efficient disaster prevention strategies and the close collaboration among Vietnamese agencies, especially under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which oversees disaster prevention.

In this difficult period, South Korea, as a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, aims to assist Vietnam in promptly addressing the repercussions of natural disasters.

On September 12, the South Korean government resolved to allocate USD 2 million in humanitarian assistance to aid Vietnam in recovering from the devastation inflicted by typhoons and intense rainfall. This substantial and remarkable aid package, swiftly determined, underscores Vietnam's significance to South Korea and the robust relationship between the two nations.

The relief package, administered via international organizations, will concentrate on the regions most adversely impacted, including Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh. South Korea would supply both material assistance and financial aid to assist those impacted in immediate recovery operations, and will also facilitate the reconstruction and restoration of infrastructure including as residences, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions that were devastated.

The Ambassador anticipates collaborating closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to maximize the efficacy of the aid implementation.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep conveyed appreciation to the South Korean government and the organizations that have consistently aided Vietnam in disaster prevention efforts. MARD and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) are presently collaborating on research to develop flood protection solutions in the Central region, where Typhoon No. 4 is anticipated to make landfall. KOICA is collaborating on the planning of the Ma River area in the Central region and the development of flood maps. These provide significant forms of support.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep asserted that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is dedicated to guiding local authorities in the effective use of South Korea's aid funding.