According to the announcement, the experts, including specialists in water and sanitation, emergency shelter, and disaster risk reduction, will assist the Vietnamese government in assessing needs and developing short-term and medium-term response strategies.
SDC is also preparing to send relief supplies, including 300 family tents and two water distribution systems capable of serving 10,000 people. In the near future, it will also coordinate with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to transfer Swiss-funded essential goods to affected areas.
Additionally, SDC has allocated 1 million Swiss francs to support those affected by the storm and flooding.
SDC noted that the evacuation of people and other preventive measures undertaken by the government have helped minimize casualties. However, thousands of people have been displaced, and hundreds are reported dead or missing.
This is a concrete effort by Switzerland for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF), which has already disbursed funds to support relief activities. According to assessments, Vietnam is a priority country for the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), which is currently reviewing the reallocation of some activities to address emerging needs from disasters.
Typhoon Yagi accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds pounded Asia last week, causing widespread devastation in the Philippines, China, and Vietnam. In Vietnam, the typhoon and subsequent flashfloods and landslides have wrought havoc across northern localities. The government of Vietnam has issued an international appeal for assistance.