International media praises Vietnamese Government’s urgent response to severe floods

The international media and organisations have commended Vietnam’s timely response, strong direction and well-coordinated rescue operations, considering them clear evidence of the country’s disaster-response capacity, solidarity and commitment to safeguarding its people amid increasingly complex climate-related challenges.

Relief rice is transported to localities heavily affected by recent flooding. (Photo: VNA)
Relief rice is transported to localities heavily affected by recent flooding. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – A number of major international news agencies are closely monitoring the severe flooding in the provinces of Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa, which have been hardest hit by recent torrential rains and widespread flash floods. The global community has praised Vietnam’s swift response, decisive direction and strong inter-agency coordination in tackling the natural disasters.

Reports by leading outlets such as Reuters, AFP, AP and numerous other international media have all highlighted the scale of human and material losses, as well as the heavy impact on agriculture.

According to Reuters, citing data from the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention under the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, rainfall in several areas exceeded 1,900 mm in just one week.

German broadcaster DW quoted Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung as saying that local authorities had mobilised the military, police and security forces to evacuate residents to safer locations. The Vietnamese army deployed a wide range of equipment, from boats and ships to helicopters, to reach isolated communities.

Meanwhile, Channel News Asia (Singapore) reported that rescue teams on the ground had to reach households one by one, in some cases breaking through windows or rooftops to free those trapped inside.

Alongside domestic efforts, numerous international organisations and NGOs have swiftly mobilised assistance. The Diplomat reported that UNICEF, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and partners from the US, the EU, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and others have begun providing material aid, financial support and personnel to the hardest-hit areas. The cooperation between the Vietnamese Government and the international community has been described as prompt and effective, significantly strengthening relief efforts in the flood-stricken areas.

In Australia, ABC News on November 22 broadcast footage from Vietnam Television’s VTV1 channel, showing people being evacuated from waterlogged rooftops and ongoing rescue attempts carried out under adverse weather conditions.

Domestically, the Vietnamese Government has approved an emergency relief package worth 700 billion VND (26.56 million USD) for the worst-affected provinces. As of 12:00 on November 22, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committees at all levels had raised more than 2.8 trillion VND in donations to support flood-hit communities.

The international media and organisations have commended Vietnam’s timely response, strong direction and well-coordinated rescue operations, considering them clear evidence of the country’s disaster-response capacity, solidarity and commitment to safeguarding its people amid increasingly complex climate-related challenges./.

VNA

See more

Thailand, Myanmar boost anti-drug cooperation

Thailand, Myanmar boost anti-drug cooperation

Myanmar authorities have handed over three drug-related fugitives wanted by Thailand and one Thai national who was residing illegally in Myanmar to Thai authorities, according to the Myanmar Police Force.

An aerial drone photo shows a bridge damaged by floods in Bener Meriah regency, Aceh, Indonesia, (Photo: Xinhua)

Indonesia: Over 200 people remain missing after floods, landslides

The floods and landslides that struck three provinces on Indonesia's Sumatra Island have caused damage to about 1,200 public facilities, as well as 219 health facilities, 581 educational establishments, 434 places for worship, 290 office buildings and 145 bridges.

Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budhi Utama (Photo: cncbindonesia.com)

Indonesia’s customs warns of emerging smuggling “hotspot”

To prevent similar smuggling activities, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise is conducting strict surveillance along the coast. The areas under surveillance include Belawan, Tanjung Balai Asahan, Dumai, Jambi, and the Riau Islands.

Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on December 11 delivers a policy speech at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. (Photo: VNA)

Timor Leste PM: Admission into ASEAN – a dream comes true

Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão emphasised that becoming a member of ASEAN is “a dream comes true" for the people of Timor Leste, affirming that joining ASEAN marked a significant turning point, helping Timor Leste move towards the future and integrate into the broader regional community.

Tourists visit Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Foreign arrivals to Thailand down nearly 10% year-on-year

For 2026, Thailand expects 34.9 million foreign visitors, a 4% increase, earning 1.63 trillion THB in revenue, up 8% year-on-year. Total tourism revenue, including domestic travel, is forecast at 2.79 trillion THB (88 billion USD).

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul speaks before the Parliament in Bangkok on September 29 (Photo: XINHUA/VNA)

Thai PM dissolves parliament

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on December 12 signed a decree dissolving the House of Representatives, paving the way for a new general election.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia takes drastic measures to prevent illegal dumping

As of October, a total of 3,634 illegal dumping sites in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, and areas under Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya had been shut down - the highest number recorded since the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) took effect.

The joint military training exercise, Exercise Cooperation, is in its seventh iteration, and will centre on urban counter-terrorism operations. (Photo: Singapore's Ministry of Defence)

Singapore, China strengthen defence cooperation

Exercise Cooperation, a joint exercise between Singapore and China, is taking place from December 10 to 17, featuring a battalion-level field training exercise at Safti City for the first time.

Illustrative image (Photo: Getty Images)

Singapore sees alarming rise in domestic violence cases

Domestic violence in Singapore continued to rise in 2024, mainly due to increased child abuse and spousal violence, according to the Domestic Violence Trends Report released by the Ministry of Social and Family Development on December 10.

 Indonesia speeds up reconstruction after severe floods, landslides

Indonesia speeds up reconstruction after severe floods, landslides

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has approved a relief package worth 60 million IDR (about 3,600 USD) for each damaged home. Coordinated efforts are underway to provide financial aid, rebuild infrastructure, and restore livelihoods, particularly for 25,000 ha of farmland in West Sumatra.

Illustrative image (Photo: asianewstoday.com)

Malaysian rare earth companies eligible for incentives

The Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said companies that carry out high-technology activities as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may also be considered for special incentives under the Promotion of Investments Act 1986.