The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today [November 11] announced an emergency project to respond to the severe floods in the central region of Vietnam.

During October 2020, the central region of Vietnam was hit by four tropical storms and prolonged heavy rain.

FAO, with financial assistance of EUR500,000 (US$587,000) from the European Union, will provide assistance in the form of cash transfers for food and basic non-food needs to at least 6,000 of the most vulnerable families affected by the floods in Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue provinces.

In addition, FAO has made available of US$300,000 from Belgium through the Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities (SFERA), to support the recovery of livestock production of vulnerable smallholder farming households impacted by the shock of the recent floods in Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces.

During October 2020, the central region of Vietnam was hit by four tropical storms and prolonged heavy rain that caused serious damage to agricultural production, shelter, water and sanitation and, consequently, threatened the food security of vulnerable households.

Compounded by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the recent storms and floods have pushed millions of people into acute vulnerability in need of assistance.

“The recent floods in Vietnam have left millions of people in need of assistance. Many have lost their homes, properties and, often, their sources of income,” said Olivier Brouant, who oversees the EU’s humanitarian response in Vietnam.

“This funding from the European Union will ensure many of the most affected families receive much-needed supplies to help them survive through the difficult days ahead,” added Olivier Brouant.

FAO, through the EU humanitarian aid funding, will provide multi-purpose cash grant to 6,000 vulnerable households, VND1.8 million (US$78) to each, in the three provinces.

While the project’s principal objective is to restore vulnerable households’ food security, the transferred funds will also cover other basic non-food needs.

The second project, funded by Belgium through SFERA, aims to support the recovery of the livestock production of smallholder farmers using a cash transfer program and targets 1,273 vulnerable households.

Each targeted household will receive VND4 million (US$173) to purchase livestock breeders, feed and other farming supplies.

“With many vulnerable farmers and households hard hit by these severe weather events, this twin-pronged support will help many to get back on their feet to rebuild and recover to safeguard their food security and livelihoods” said Nguyen Song Ha, Assistant FAO Representative in Vietnam.

FAO will continue working closely with government and development partners to support the emergency response and early recovery to the affected provinces. Particular attention will be given to especially vulnerable members of communities, including women and girls, children, the elderly and people with disabilities. All interventions will employ COVID-19 transmission prevention measures to avert potential spread of the disease.