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Viet Nam

Flood Relief in Vietnam: Update December 1999

Catholic Relief Services has committed $45,000 to the relief efforts in Vietnam following heavy floods in the country's central provinces earlier this month. This is the worst flooding to hit the country the century.
"Conditions remain difficult for victims," explained Chris Gilson, Catholic Relief Services Country Representative in Vietnam. "The assistance we are providing is both timely and much needed."

Catholic Relief Services' Response

Over Thanksgiving weekend, Catholic Relief Services delivered 10,000 mosquito nets and 5,000 cooking kits to families in two districts of Quang Tri province and three districts of Thua Thien-Hue province. Agency staff continue to work in close coordination with the local provincial authorities.

Catholic Relief Services also aims to assist with long term assistance by providing rice to farmers engaged in land clearing projects, nets to fishermen, and supplies for rebuilding schools.

Catholic Relief Services' specific flood response:

1. The distribution of emergency relief items:

  • Water purification tablets
  • Anti-diarrhea medicine
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Cough medicine
  • Mosquito nets
  • Soap
  • Cooking utensils
  • Blankets

2. Long-term rehabilitation activities including:

  • Rebuilding schools in Quang Tri Province
  • Providing rice, rice seedlings and tools to farmers in Thua Thien-Hue Province
  • Fishing nets to fishermen in Thua Thien-Hue Province

An estimated $3 million worth of relief supplies are still needed. These needs include cooking kits, rice, water, soap, housing, and reconstruction materials for houses and other infrastructure. To make a donation, click here.

Current Situation

Floodwaters have eased after the most severe floods to hit Viet Nam's central provinces in recorded history. The flooding damaged thousands of hectares of cultivated fields, killed cows and buffaloes (vital for plowing the rice fields), and swept away or damaged more than 10,000 tons of rice seedlings almost ready for transplantion into the rice paddies.

In Quang Nam province, 400 hectares of land was swept away and 1,200 hectares were filled with mud and debris.

Catholic Relief Services first worked in Vietnam between 1951 and 1975, distributing food and supplies and supporting social services. The agency returned in 1992 and focuses on agriculture, enterprise development and education programs.

Your support is needed.

Donations can also be made by calling: 1-800-736-3467
or by sending checks to: P.O. Box 17090 - Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7090.

Copyright©1999 CRS