Embassy of Japan, IOM and UNICEF visit typhoon-hit communities in Cao Bang

This mission is part of an ongoing initiative that provided $2 million in urgent relief support through UNICEF and IOM to children and families affected by Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam.

The urgent support for Typhoon Yagi relief in Vietnam, funded by the government of Japan and led by IOM and UNICEF in collaboration with national and local partners, runs from 2024 to 2025. This initiative is providing essential water, sanitation, hygiene and child protection services through UNICEF Vietnam, benefiting 21,251 people.

Additionally, IOM Vietnam will offer emergency shelter and non-food items to nearly 17,000 individuals in Cao Bang and other hardest-hit provinces.

"I am pleased to witness the real impact of the humanitarian assistance in setting a strong course for recovery through trusted partners such as IOM and UNICEF," said Ito Naoki, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, at the meeting with Cao Bang People's Committee on April 9. "Japan and Vietnam share a longstanding partnership. As a country with extensive experience in disaster prevention, Japan brings a wealth of knowledge. From the perspective of disaster prevention measures, we are committed to continued cooperation with Vietnam to achieve our collective vision of a strong, prosperous and resilient Vietnam."

The joint visit reaffirmed commitment and solidarity with affected communities and aimed to review the delivery of emergency support in Cao Bang, one of the poorest provinces in the country, which was also severely affected by Typhoon Yagi.

The delegation learnt from affected population about the progress of the projects, engaged with local authorities, visited initiative sites, and participated in various activities to encourage disaster risk reduction, climate resilience and child protection.

The delegation visited Kim Cuc commune, classified as an extremely difficult area, where they observed first-hand the typhoon's impact on people's lives. They witnessed UNICEF's results in improving access to clean water, sanitation, child protection and psychological support for women and children.

At the local school, they participated in an event with primary school children focused on disaster risk reduction and climate resilience through painting and traditional games. Additionally, they visited a UNICEF-supported counselling space for students.

"We sincerely thank the government of Japan for its steadfast partnership with UNICEF. Their support has been crucial in assisting vulnerable children and families in Cao Bang most affected by Typhoon Yagi. This collaboration addresses urgent humanitarian needs and lays the foundation for long-term climate resilience for children in Vietnam," UNICEF Representative Silvia Danailov said. "Children are extremely vulnerable to climate shocks, as evidenced by the Children’s Climate Risk Index. UNICEF is committed to continue working on disaster preparedness, climate-resilient infrastructure, and child protection, along with our emergency interventions - including humanitarian supplies, capacity building, and mental health support, which are essential to our mission"

The delegation also attended in the groundbreaking ceremony of the evacuation centre at Dinh Phung commune, one of the most typhoon-affected communities with safer and more durable facilities.

The support from IOM, funded by the government of Japan, will help address the needs of over 3,000 individuals, especially children and families for temporary evacuation in case of emergency, and increasing their resilience against future disasters.

"IOM is proud to partner with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Viet Nam Red Cross Society, and local authorities to provide life-saving non-food item to nearly 17,000 individuals in five provinces in Northern Vietnam, with the support from the government of Japan," said Kendra Rinas, Chief of Mission of IOM Vietnam. "In addition to emergency supplies, the project raised awareness on self-protection during typhoon and flood seasons. Together with the evacuation centre, our holistic approach will set a strong course for recovery. More important than ever, we must work closely to achieve our collective vision of strong, prosperous and resilient communities in Vietnam."