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Vietnam: Typhoon Linda - Information Bulletin n° 2

Countries
Viet Nam
Sources
IFRC
Publication date

The Disaster
As outlined in the first information bulletin dated 5 November, earlier this week, Typhoon Linda swept across the Mekong Delta at the southern tip of Vietnam bringing death and destruction in its wake. According to latest reports from the Vietnam Red Cross (VNRC), the most affected provinces are Ca Mau, Soc Trang, Ben Tre, Tien Giang, Ba Ria, Binh Thuan, Tra Vinh, Bac Lieu, Dong Thap, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Kien Giang and Binh Dinh. The estimated damage stands at the local currency equivalent of CHF 39 million. Updated statistics on the typhoon's effects are shown in annex 1.

Red Cross/Red Crescent Action

Earlier today (Friday), the VNRC circulated an appeal to local and international organisations, UN agencies and embassies in Vietnam. The Society's Secretary General has arrived in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to coordinate and direct the ongoing Red Cross relief operation in the affected areas. The Head of International Federation Delegation in Hanoi is also in the city and has been joined by the regional disaster preparedness delegate and an information delegate from Kuala Lumpur and the Vietnam delegation's former disaster preparedness delegate. The team is equipped with a satellitetelephone and the capability to post text and pictures on the International Federation's Internet site (http://www.ifrc.org then click on 'direct from the field' ). Three VNRC assessment teams will leave for the affected provinces tomorrow morning to gather relevant information and identify needs and beneficiary numbers. The International Federation group will participate in the assessment process, returning to HCMC next Tuesday. Meanwhile the VNRC has requested the early launch of a preliminary appeal through the International Federation.

Needs

The VNRC and the International Federation team have identified food, shelter materials, medicines, medical equipment and cooking utensils among the most immediate needs for this unfolding operation. All interested parties will be kept informed as new information becomes available.