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Viet Nam

United Nations assesses damage in Viet Nam after Typhoon Damrey

(New York, 3 October): Typhoon Damrey, which came ashore on the eastern coast of Viet Nam one week ago, prompted the evacuation of some 600,000 persons and caused extensive damage throughout the country. At least 59 individuals in the country were killed as a result of the typhoon, and 13 others were injured.

Storm surges broke several sea dykes in Nam Dinh and Thanh Hoa provinces, and seawater penetrated inland some three to four kilometres in coastal provinces. Flash floods damaged more than 11,000 dwellings, destroying more than 1,000. More than 130,000 hectares of rice fields due for harvest have been submerged. Damage to roads, bridges and telephone lines has left several villages inaccessible. Including damage to transport, power supply, education and health infrastructure, the total destruction has been estimated at approximately $5.3 million.

Those evacuated from the typhoon's path remain unable to return home due to lack of water, electricity and food. Nearly 200,000 individuals currently face food shortages. In most areas, drinking water is not available as wells have been affected by the salt water.

The United Nations has carried out an assessment mission to the three most affected provinces of Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh and Nam Dinh, and has determined that highest-priority needs during the emergency and early recovery phases are for food, drinking water, household supplies, mosquito nets, clothing, medicines and water purification tablets to prevent outbreaks of post-storm diseases, and educational materials.

Among national response efforts, the national Red Cross society has provided emergency funding and relief supplies to several provinces. Provincial and local governments have been providing food to people, in addition to the human and financial resources devoted to ensuring people's and the dykes' safety during the storm.

Across the Philippines, China and Viet Nam, the death toll from Typhoon Damrey has reached at least 90.

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UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
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