Location of operation: Vietnam
Amount of Decision: EUR 460,000
Decision reference number: ECHO/VNM/BUD/2006/01000
Explanatory Memorandum
1 - Rationale needs and target population:
1.1. - Rationale:
Typhoon Xangsane came over the Philippines at the end of September 2006 and continued westwards across the South China Sea. Xangsane increased in power as it crossed the sea and hit the East coast of Vietnam on the morning of 1 October 2006.
Xangsane has been estimated as the strongest cyclone to hit Vietnam for two decades. It caused relatively few fatalities and injuries because of disaster preparedness but there is severe damage to buildings, agriculture and fisheries as well as flood damage.
Xangsane hit the coast as a level 2 cyclone and affected 10 provinces along the coast from Nighe An in the north to Gia Lai further south as well as the two provinces Kien Giang and Minh Hai in the southernmost tip of Vietnam(1).
The initial disaster was well handled by the government who evacuated about 200,000 people from the path of the typhoon. This action helped to keep the casualties low.
The low loss of life has meant that there has been little media attention to this emergency. There is extensive physical damage with about 100,000 displaced persons and with the poorest being the most vulnerable.
DG ECHO(2) has a constant presence through its partners in Vietnam in the form of Disaster Preparedness. DIPECHO (Disaster Preparedness ECHO) is a programme set up by DG ECHO to improve the capacities of communities at risk to better prepare for and protect themselves against natural disasters. DIPECHO partners operating in Vietnam have good knowledge of the country and are well placed to respond to the effects of Typhoon Xangsane.
Notes:
(1) Information from IFRC situation report and emergency appeal, 04/10/06.
(2) Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid - ECHO.