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Vietnamese children hit by second typhoon in five weeks

A second tropical cyclone, Typhoon Mirinae, is battering Vietnam this week, hindering efforts to help families recovering from the deadly Typhoon Ketsana.

Thursday 5 November 2009

At least 90 people have been killed so far in floods caused by Typhoon Mirinae. The second typhoon comes just five weeks after Ketsana swept through the country at the end of September killing 163 people.

Sam and her brother Vu standing by the remnants of their house in Quang Ngai province, Vietnam; it was destroyed by Cyclone Ketsana on 28 September.

Risk of disease

The tropical cyclone has hit seven provinces in the south-central region of Vietnam, including Quang Ngai, which was also badly affected by Ketsana. It has damaged 15,000 families’ homes; 43,000 homes have been flooded. Thousands of the poorest families have lost their crops or fishing equipment, devastating their means of earning a living. Many children from poor families already face the risk of disease and malnutrition — exposure to the cold and wet conditions caused by the heavy rains will make them even more vulnerable.

“Already reeling”

“Vietnam is already reeling after being struck by one of the worst typhoons in living memory just five weeks ago, with children the worst affected,” said Michelle Brown, who is leading Save the Children’s response in Vietnam.

“The storm will not only hinder efforts to get urgently needed relief to those affected by Typhoon Ketsana, it will set back communities trying to get back on their feet. Children are really suffering and need help.”

Our teams are already assessing the impact of Typhoon Mirinae and will be looking to help those affected in Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa province. We’re continuing to provide vital aid to thousands of families affected by Typhoon Ketsana by providing money to help families get back to work.