LocationsRebuilding Lives in Yen Bai: Recovery Efforts After Typhoon Yagi
September 24, 2024
I recently traveled to Yen Bai, one of the provinces hardest hit by Typhoon Yagi. Ten days after the storm, the destruction is overwhelming — homes have been washed away, crops destroyed, and roads severely damaged. Yet, amid the devastation, I was deeply moved by the resilience and spirit of the people. While the road to recovery is long, the strength of the communities gives me great hope.
In Yen Bai, it was clear that entire livelihoods had been set back, with some local officials estimating that the storm undid a decade of progress. The communes along the Red River were particularly hard-hit, their fields now buried under layers of sand and mud, rendering them impossible to farm. The farmers I met were understandably worried about how they would feed their families in the coming months. However, they are not giving up, and neither are we. We know that rebuilding will take time, but crop conversion and sustainable farming practices can help ensure a more resilient future for these communities.
What struck me most was the extraordinary dedication of the women of the Women's Union, alongside government officials, soldiers, and police. Despite their own homes being flooded or eroded, they were at the forefront of relief efforts—organizing field kitchens, coordinating aid, and personally visiting affected households. Seeing them in action, balancing their own losses while supporting their communities, filled me with admiration. It’s moments like these that remind me of the deep resilience and unity of the Vietnamese people.
I was also inspired by the outpouring of solidarity from other parts of the country. Trucks of supplies arrived from Buon Ma Thuot and Ho Chi Minh City, accompanied by young volunteers eager to assist. This national spirit of unity, with people coming together to help one another, reminds us all of the strength that can come from collective action.
UNDP is proud to support these efforts. We've distributed essential household kits to families who lost everything, and we’re prioritizing the needs of women and those with disabilities. But we know this is only the beginning. Recovery goes beyond immediate relief—it requires rebuilding homes, repairing infrastructure, and creating jobs. That’s why we’re focusing on long-term efforts, working closely with local authorities and communities to rebuild in a way that strengthens their resilience for the future.
We are also supporting a cash-for-work program that empowers local residents to be part of the recovery process, providing immediate financial relief while giving them the tools to rebuild their own homes and infrastructure. This hands-on approach not only helps with the recovery but also fosters a sense of ownership and hope.
The people of Yen Bai have shown incredible strength in the face of adversity. Together, we are not just aiming to rebuild what was lost but to build back better—stronger homes, more resilient livelihoods, and a brighter future for these communities. As we continue to support their recovery, I am confident that Yen Bai will not only overcome these challenges but emerge stronger, united, and prepared for whatever comes next.
