LocationsNew Homes for Vulnerable Households in Yen Bai Ahead of Storm Season, Thanks to Post-Typhoon Yagi Recovery Support
May 8, 2025
Yen Bai, 8 May 2025 — Today, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam Ramla Khalidi, and Vice Chairman of the Yen Bai Provincial People’s Committee Vu Thi Hien Hanh attended the inauguration ceremony of a new house for Bui Thi Tap — an elderly woman living in hardship in Yen Ninh ward, Yen Bai City.
Tap’s home was destroyed by a landslide triggered by Typhoon Yagi in 2024. With timely support from the Government of the Republic of Korea, through the Inclusive Early Recovery and Reconstruction Programme After Typhoon Yagi project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and local authorities, her family now has a safe, resilient new home — just in time for this year’s storm season.
“That night, half of the hillside collapsed, crashing down onto my house. Only the front wall remained. Everything in the back — the bed, wardrobe, and all my belongings — was buried,” Tap recalled.
“With financial assistance we received, we were able to rebuild our home. Now, whether I am at home or at the hospital for treatment, I feel safe and can sleep soundly without fear of storms, floods, or landslides like before,” she shared.
Over 70 years old, living with cancer, and relying on her husband’s pension, Tap is one of thousands of poor households in the northern mountainous region that have benefited from recovery support following Typhoon Yagi. This effort is part of a broader collaboration between UNDP, development partners, and the Government of Viet Nam to help disaster-affected communities recover and rebuild stronger.
UNDP has worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and authorities in Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Cao Bang, Thai Nguyen, and Ha Giang provinces to implement emergency assistance packages funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Government of the Republic of Korea, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. These efforts have provided cash and essential supplies to over 17,500 people, supported the repair or reconstruction of 350 homes, built nine small-scale public infrastructure projects such as village roads, bridges, stream embankments, and schools, and delivered livelihood support to 15 cooperatives and 158 businesses and households.
Typhoon Yagi (Typhoon No. 3) caused severe damage across 26 northern provinces in September 2024, leaving 345 people dead or missing and damaging more than 283,000 homes. Economic losses totaled approximately VND 81.8 trillion. In response, the international community pledged more than USD 22 million in aid, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment received over 220 tons of relief supplies valued at USD 2.3 million from international partners.
Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep emphasized:
“The Government of Viet Nam places people at the center of all disaster response policies. Post-disaster reconstruction is not only about housing — it’s about helping people stabilize their lives and build sustainable livelihoods. We are committed to continuing our close collaboration with international partners to provide the most effective and practical support.”
UNDP is one of the UN agencies actively working with the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention to implement nine emergency aid projects, with total funding exceeding USD 4.49 million. These projects focus on three key areas: emergency relief, housing reconstruction, and livelihood recovery for disaster-affected communities.
UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam Ramla Khalidi expressed appreciation for the swift coordination led by Vice Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep and the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership (DRRP) in assessing urgent needs, planning effective responses, and mobilizing international solidarity.
“Post-disaster reconstruction is not just about rebuilding houses — it’s about restoring hope and ensuring safety. UNDP is committed to continuing our partnership with the Government and people of Viet Nam to deliver integrated solutions, strengthen early warning systems, and build greater resilience to future disasters,” she affirmed.
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For further information, please contact:
Thai Minh Huong, Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment
phone: +84-948202810 | email: tmhuong@mae.gov.vn
Nguyen Viet Lan, UNDP
phone: 0914436769 | email: nguyen.viet.lan@undp.org
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