The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has co-ordinated the delivery of humanitarian aid supplies to Vietnam following a request from the Vietnamese government, after successive typhoons battered the country and caused widespread damage and casualties.
The operation, organised by the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Co-ordination Centre (Changi RHCC), involves the transport of more than five tonnes of aid via commercial air freight.
The supplies were contributed by the SAF and non-governmental organisation Caritas Humanitarian Aid and Relief Initiatives Singapore (CHARIS) which include thermal blankets and hygiene kits to support the immediate sustenance needs of affected communities.
“Changi RHCC and the SAF stand ready and committed to supporting regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, to provide essential humanitarian assistance and relief to the people of Vietnam.
“We will continue to work closely with civilian partners such as local and regional non-governmental organisations,” director of Changi RHCC Colonel Lew Tze Soon said in a statement released by the Ministry of Defence.
This humanitarian assistance underscores the strong ties between Singapore and Vietnam, building on their close HADR co-operation following the signing of the renewed bilateral Defence Co-operation Agreement (DCA) between the two countries in 2022.
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Flash floods, casualties reported as typhoons hit Hanoi
Just as the southeast Asian country was recovering from Typhoon Bualoi — which killed at least 51 people and caused approximately $600 million of damage — Vietnam was struck again on October 7 by Typhoon Mamo, triggering flash floods and causing further damage.
Several schools have been suspended or have shifted to online teaching, while some flights have been delayed or rescheduled.
Currently, Vietnam is on high alert as Storm Fengshen, which made landfall on October 22, continues to bring heavy rains and flooding, particularly in the central region, and is expected to last until October 27.
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has instructed ministries and localities to mobilise all available resources to respond to emergencies.
Fundraising for typhoon victims
Apart from the international aid, the Vietnamese Association in Macau (China) has launched a fundraising campaign to help the community back home recover from the storms and floods.
According to Vietnam plus, the campaign had raised a total of $6,000 (VND160 million) between October 8 and 20.
Part of the funds was distributed through the association’s Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh chapters to assist affected families in those provinces, while the rest was sent to the Central Relief Committee of the VFF Central Committee to help flood-hit residents across the country.
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Adam Peaker 
Newsjustnews writers 
Carmela Calling