Hope flows back after the floods
Cash assistance from Viet Nam Red Cross and IFRC helps families recover their lives and livelihoods
Crops, livestock, and livelihoods destroyed
When floodwaters engulfed Van Lang commune in Thai Nguyen, northern Viet Nam in October 2025, Mrs. Hoang Thi Sua, a 20-year-old mother of two young children, faced devastating losses.
As the water rose around their home, her family had no choice but to leave everything behind and seek safety.
The small house they had built over many years was badly damaged, and their crops, livestock, and belongings were destroyed.
She, her family, and their neighbors were first evacuated to temporary shelters and later relocated to government-provided accommodation.
Since then, Mrs. Hoang Thi Sua and her family has become one of many to receive cash assistance support from the Viet Nam Red Cross (VNRC) as part of an Emergency Appeal launched by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
For these families, this cash assistance was about more than short-term relief.
It has enabled households to restart small livestock activities, restoring their main source of income and helping them move from crisis to stability.
VNRC also provided practical livelihood recovery trainings, ensuring families could rebuild in a sustainable and resilient way.
“The cash assistance came at the right moment,” she shared. “It allowed us to buy essential items, earn income, and support our family. Now our children can sleep safely again.
"If floods come in the future, we feel more resilient. We know we are not alone—local authorities and the Red Cross will be there.”
Vivid memories, renewed hope
Another mother, Mrs. Ngo Thai Do, 46, remembers the flood just as vividly.
She still gestures to the watermarks on her walls, long dried but impossible to forget.
“It was higher than the windows,” she recalled. “It took us three days just to clear the mud.”
For her family, too, the Viet Nam Red Cross Society (VNRC) cash assistance has been a lifeline.
“It has been invaluable as we try to rebuild our lives after the devastation.”
Cash assistance enabled households to restart small livestock activities, restoring their main source of income and helping them move from crisis to stability.
VNRC also provided practical livelihood recovery trainings, ensuring families could rebuild in a sustainable and resilient way.
Mrs. Hoang Thi Sua speaking with a representative of the Viet Nam Red Cross.Photo credit: Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
Mrs. Hoang Thi Sua speaking with a representative of the Viet Nam Red Cross.Photo credit: Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
Mrs. Hoang Thi Sua with pigs she purchased with cash assistance from the Viet Nam Red Cross. Photo credit: Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
Mrs. Hoang Thi Sua with pigs she purchased with cash assistance from the Viet Nam Red Cross. Photo credit: Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
Mrs. Ngo Thai Do with representatives of the Viet Nam Red Cross and the IFRC. Photo credit: Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
Mrs. Ngo Thai Do with representatives of the Viet Nam Red Cross and the IFRC. Photo credit: Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
Many of the families who received cash assistance invested in livestock such as piglets to help restart their family farming businesses. Photo credit: Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
Many of the families who received cash assistance invested in livestock such as piglets to help restart their family farming businesses. Photo credit: Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
Recovering with dignity
“Cash assistance saves lives and helps families recover with dignity," said Elkhan Rahimov, IFRC Head of Delegation, Country Cluster for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam
"As you can see from these examples, the Viet Nam Red Cross — with support from IFRC — provides humanitarian assistance that directly improves the economic wellbeing of families.
This support is not one-time; it helps families generate income and rebuild their livelihoods. We use a cash modality because it is one of the most effective approaches based on community needs,”
As Viet Nam tends to face recurring storms and floods, IFRC remains committed to supporting VNRC in strengthening preparedness, response, and community-driven solutions.
In this way, the IFRC and VNRC will continue to work together to ensure families like Mrs. Hoang’s and Mrs. Ngo’s are safer, more resilient, and never left to face disaster alone.
A climate of floods
In September 2024, Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Viet Nam in 30 years, caused widespread devastation.
This was followed by renewed floods and landslides during the 2025 monsoon season after consecutive typhoons Wipha, Kajiki, Bualoi and Matmo.
For communities already living with climate-driven risks, the compounded impacts were overwhelming.
Volunteer teams of first responses respond after severe floods in Thai Nguyen, Viet Nam, in 2024. Photo: Viet Nam Red Cross Society
Volunteer teams of first responses respond after severe floods in Thai Nguyen, Viet Nam, in 2024. Photo: Viet Nam Red Cross Society
Representatives of the Viet Nam Red Cross and the IFRC visited with families affected by the floods to learn about their needs and to provide assistance. Photo credit: Viet Nam Red Cross Society
Representatives of the Viet Nam Red Cross and the IFRC visited with families affected by the floods to learn about their needs and to provide assistance. Photo credit: Viet Nam Red Cross Society
With cash assistance, families have been able to start small livestock farms, helping restore their livelihoods and strengthen long-term resilience. Photo credit: Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
With cash assistance, families have been able to start small livestock farms, helping restore their livelihoods and strengthen long-term resilience. Photo credit: Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
A community leader points to the mountainous, remote communes heavily affected by the floods. Photo credit: Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
A community leader points to the mountainous, remote communes heavily affected by the floods. Photo credit: Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
Photos and text by Kwanta Norkum, IFRC
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