The European Union (EU) has announced it will provide €1.3 million (US$1.51 million) in humanitarian assistance to families affected by severe flooding, which has wreaked havoc across large parts of central Vietnam since the beginning of October.

The aid will focus on addressing the urgent needs of the most affected people in the central provinces of Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue, the EU said in a statement.

Flooding has left heavy consequences in central Vietnam. Photo: baodanang.vn

“This contribution underlines our solidarity with the people of Vietnam, many of whom have suffered the loss of homes, livelihoods and belongings in the wake of the devastating floods,” said Olivier Brouant, who oversees the EU’s humanitarian response in the Mekong region.

“The EU funding will support our humanitarian partners in delivering life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable, ensuring they have enough means to go through this difficult time,” added Brouant.

The funding, which is part of the EU’s Acute Large Emergency Response Tool (ALERT), will support the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Save the Children and World Vision in delivering much-needed assistance to those most in need.

This includes the distribution of hygiene kits and other essential relief items while ensuring access to drinking water, sanitation facilities and the promotion of good hygiene practices. Cash transfers will also be provided, allowing people to buy food or items of their choice. Special attention will be placed on the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, including female-headed households and people with disabilities.

Floods have killed more than 130 people and directly affected over 1.3 million after weeks of unusually heavy rainfall hit central Vietnam since early October. The rains triggered the worst floods and landslides to hit the country in the last 20 years.

More than 290,000 houses were flooded, leaving many displaced. The floodwaters have also left large swathes of agricultural land inundated and livestock killed, significantly affecting the livelihoods of local people.