Storm and floods affect at least 34,000 children in the Red River Delta and North Central Vietnam with more heavy rain expected, Save the Children says

24^th June 2013 (Hanoi, Vietnam) – At least 34,000 children have been affected in flash floods triggered by Tropical Depression Bebinca in the Red River Delta and North Central Vietnam, Save the Children says. So far, two people in Nghe An Province have been killed in the disaster.

The storm swept across China’s Hainan Province on Saturday before making landfall in Hai Phong, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam this morning. Authorities had earlier evacuated about 34,000 people most of them from approximately 14,000 fishing boats to safer ground in Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, and Thanh Hoa Provinces. Initial report suggests that at least 4,500 ha of crops damaged, including newly planted rice paddies.

“As the storm passes through, we can expect sustained heavy rains that could lead to more flash flooding in the northern provinces of Vietnam. The worsening floods could trigger landslides and make roads impassable, hampering relief efforts," said Tuan Doan, Acting Country Director for Save the Children in Vietnam.

“The strong winds and heavy rain could be a terrifying experience for young children, who are always most vulnerable in any disaster. The storm may have also destroyed crops that have just been planted at the start of the rice cultivation season, homes and other basic infrastructure as well. We are working closely with the authorities and partners on the ground to monitor the situation and will respond to the needs of children and their families as needed.”

Save the Children has been working in Vietnam since 1990 and has responded to all major emergencies in that time. Most recently, the aid agency responded to the aftermath of Typhoon Son-Tinh, reaching nearly 5,000 worst-affected people with basic household items, school kits, toiletries and cash grants for house repair and livelihood recovery. 

ENDS

Save the Children has spokespeople available for interviews. Please contact Tuan Doan at +84 (91) 353-5560 or doananh.tuan@savethechildren.org.