United States to Provide $1 Million in Flood Assistance

November 13, 2007

On behalf of the people of the United States, I would like to say that we are deeply saddened by the loss of life and livelihood in Vietnam that resulted from the recent flooding. 

The floods struck communities which were, in many cases, just starting to recover from the damage caused by the August floods. I’d like to commend the quick reaction of the local authorities, mass organizations and the communities themselves, who were out delivering supplies even before the flood waters had started to recede. 

On the same day that the International Federation of the Red Cross and Crescent Societies launched its emergency appeal, the United States contributed $100,000 to provide blankets, mosquito nets and other essential supplies to the most vulnerable families. But beyond the emergency phase, there are long term recovery needs which need to be addressed. 

To further support the efforts of the Government of Vietnam, the United States is contributing an additional $900,000 – for a total of $1 Million -  for longer term recovery activities. 

These funds will be used to reconstruct houses damaged in the floods, provide seeds and livestock rehabilitate fields, clean wells and repair water supplies. The money will also be used to replace textbooks and schools materials lost in the floods, repair classrooms, provide flood awareness training to children and to support other priorities identified by the communities themselves. 

The United States is committed to support the Government of Vietnam in it disaster recovery activities, but I would like to stress the importance of prevention. Tropical storms like Lekima cannot be stopped. But their impact on vulnerable communities can be mitigated with continued planning and preparation.