(99-61) News Release
November 9, 1999
Ottawa -- Maria Minna, Minister for International Cooperation, today announced that the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will contribute $100,000 to help flood victims in Vietnam.
"The recent torrential rains in central Vietnam have caused flooding that has resulted in about 500 fatalities and left hundreds of thousands of people homeless," Minister Minna explained. "Canadian assistance will provide relief to these people by supplying them with basic necessities."
The provinces of central Vietnam are currently experiencing the worst flooding in 40 years. Several of these provinces have declared a state of emergency. A lack of clean drinking water could lead to epidemics.
Canada will give its $100,000 contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which will provide clean water, plastic sheeting, blankets and emergency food supplies to the most vulnerable families.
"We share the suffering of these people, who are experiencing such upheaval in their daily lives and are spending every moment finding ways to survive," Minister Minna continued. "We are closely monitoring the situation and we are prepared to provide additional assistance if needed."
Funding for this humanitarian aid announced today was provided for in the February 1999 budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Robin Walsh
Office of the Minister for International Cooperation
Telephone: 819 953-3160
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819 953-6534
E-Mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
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=A9 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 1999