IOM in Viet Nam distributes 1 million USD for typhoon relief

The Government of the Republic of Korea has announced a contribution of USD 1 million to support emergency response operations led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Viet Nam. This funding will enable IOM to assist displaced persons, communities and migrants affected by a series of typhoons and related floods, which struck northern and central Viet Nam since late September.

“As a trusted partner that always stands with Vietnam in times of difficulty, the Government of the Republic of Korea has swiftly decided to provide 1 million USD in humanitarian assistance in response to the recent series of typhoons and heavy rains that have struck Vietnam,” said H.E. Choi Youngsam, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Viet Nam. “Republic of Korea will work closely with the Vietnamese government and IOM to ensure that the support is delivered swiftly to the people most in need. We sincerely hope that this assistance will help protect the health and safety of the Vietnamese people and contribute to a speedy recovery from the disaster.”

“The Government of the Republic of Korea has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Viet Nam through its generous contributions to IOM’s humanitarian efforts,” said Kendra Rinas, Chief of Mission at IOM Viet Nam. “We are honoured to serve as a trusted partner of the Republic of Korea in delivering timely and impactful assistance to communities affected by natural disasters. This vital support will significantly enhance the United Nations ability to reach those most in need.”

Typhoons Bualoi and Matmo, along with the severe flooding they triggered caused widespread devastation, leaving over 85 people dead or missing and damaging more than 545,600 homes, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate. According to a preliminary report from the Viet Nam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the estimated economic damage exceeds VND 30,800 billion (equivalent to USD 1.17 billion).

Supporting individuals in the hardest-hit provinces following the two typhoons, IOM’s response follows a two-pronged approach to disaster recovery, guided by needs assessment and the Viet Nam Joint Response Plan (2025). In the emergency phase, IOM prioritizes helping households meet immediate needs through multipurpose cash assistance. In the early recovery phase, IOM helps repair and rebuild their homes through climate resilient shelter training and conditional cash. The project also aims to reduce disaster risks and strengthen early warning systems by working with local authorities, addressing both immediate needs and long-term resilience.

As the cyclone season continues, with Typhoons Fengshen (#12) and Kalmaegi (#13) severely impacting central provinces in late October and early November, additional funding and support remains urgently needed to sustain recovery and preparedness efforts in Viet Nam.

As a member of the Viet Nam Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership and co-chair of the Emergency Shelter and Non-Food Items sector, IOM has previously supported over 7,500 individuals across five provinces through the “Emergency Relief and Recovery Assistance for Affected Populations of Yagi Typhoon in Northern Provinces” project, funded by the Republic of Korea. As a result of repairing or reconstructing 224 homes, 945 individuals have safer and more resilient living conditions.

IOM ensures effective and coordinated implementation that reaches the most vulnerable, including economically marginalized groups, ethnic minorities, women, girls and persons with disabilities.