HCMC – Newly built storm- and flood-resilient houses were handed over to poor households severely affected by typhoons and floods in the central province of Quang Binh late last week.
The historic typhoons and floods in 2020 caused thousands of families to lose their homes, and thousands of others had to live in damaged, unsafe houses.
To help people during this difficult time, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Red Cross Society of Quang Binh Province repaired 700 homes and provided 700 gender-sensitive households kits in the province.
Additionally, UNDP, the Department of Planning and Investment of Quang Binh Province and World Share have built 39 new storm- and flood-resilient houses for poor families whose houses were severely damaged.
Addressing the handover ceremony, Hoang Duc Thien, deputy director of the Quang Binh Department of Planning and Investment, said, “We highly appreciate the effectiveness of these flood-proof houses, especially for those who frequently suffer floods and live in areas with a high disaster risk. This support will ensure people have stable and resilient homes and raise their standard of living. It will also contribute to eradicating hunger, reducing poverty, and proactively preventing disasters.”
Resilient housing is one of the ways to minimize damage to people, especially the coastal communities. “We are delighted that World Share has joined hands with UNDP for this emergency assistance. The resilient houses are a tangible result of our commitment to leave no one behind. UNDP commits to continue our resilient housing support for the vulnerable people of Quang Binh Province,” Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Vietnam, said.
On behalf of the beneficiary households, Son Thuy Commune resident Le Thi Hoc said, “We are very grateful for this support that helps the poor and people with disabilities like us to have safe houses. From now on, we won’t be afraid when the storm hits.”
Dae Hoon, Country Director of World Share, said, “I am sure that 39 families have faced many difficulties for one year. From today, I hope that you will live with a more blessed hope. There will be more good things for you in the future. World Share and UNDP are planning to support 73 additional beneficiaries living in poor housing conditions as their houses were affected by storms and floods in 2020.”
In addition to this project, with the support of the Green Climate Fund, UNDP and the Government of Vietnam have built more than 800 storm- and- flood resilient houses since 2018 in the districts of Ba Don, Bo Trach, Le Thuy, Quang Ninh, Quang Trach and Tuyen Hoa in Quang Binh Province, contributing to the disaster prevention capacity for poor and near-poor households in the area.
