News: ASEAN ready to cooperate and assist countries hit by Typhoon Yagi

Typhoon Yagi slammed into war-torn Myanmar, killing at least 33 people, while the death toll from landslides and floods in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand topped 250. ASEAN foreign ministers have recently issued a statement expressing the bloc's readiness to cooperate and support the relief efforts of countries affected by the Typhoon.

Vietnam Red Cross Society response teams bring essential relief items to communities affected by Super Typhoon Yagi. Photo: Vietnam Red Cross Society

"ASEAN Member States are saddened by the loss of lives and extensive damage to property caused by Typhoon Yagi in the Philippines, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Thailand and China, among others," the statement said.

ASEAN member states expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and communities affected by the typhoon, it added.

"ASEAN reaffirms its solidarity with the governments and peoples of the affected countries and is confident that the affected countries will overcome the effects of this natural disaster and recover quickly. ASEAN stands ready to extend its cooperation and support to the relief efforts, including through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Management (AHA Centre)," the statement stressed.

According to authorities, nearly 190,000 homes have been flooded, damaged or destroyed, with at least 325 people reported dead or missing, and an estimated 1.6 million people affected overall. These numbers are expected to rise as damage assessment continues, while the risk of further flooding and landslides remains high throughout the affected regions.

At the same time, Samdach Kittiprittpundit Bun Rany Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC), has expressed her sympathy and condolences to Mrs Bui Thi Hoa, President of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, for the destruction caused by Typhoon Yagi.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi and the subsequent landslides and severe flooding in the northern region of Vietnam, which has left nearly 200 people dead and some 125 still missing. Eight hundred people injured, 130,268 houses damaged and 57,857 houses submerged," she said in her message to her Vietnamese counterpart.

In this difficult situation, Samdach Kittiprittpundit Bun Rany, on behalf of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) and on her personal behalf, expressed her heartfelt sympathy and shared the suffering of the Vietnam Red Cross Society and the Vietnamese people. "May I offer my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to those who have lost their loved ones," she added.

"May I pray for a speedy recovery from the devastation and success in the rehabilitation of the devastated areas through the joint efforts of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, the IFRC and sister National Societies, and wish all the best to the Vietnamese people," she concluded.

Yesterday, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, sent a message to his Lao counterpart, H.E. Sonexay Siphandone, reaffirming Cambodia’s solidarity with Laos at this difficult time caused by Typhoon Yagi.

"I have noted reports of significant damage in the northern provinces of Laos from Typhoon Yagi in recent days, as well as the authorities in Vientiane urging immediate action and precautionary measures in the capital amid rapidly rising water levels along the Mekong River," he wrote in his message.

"In Luang Namtha province alone, I understand that 35 villages and special economic zones have been flooded, with houses, vehicles and livestock destroyed, at least one person killed and a hospital evacuated," he continued.

The Cambodian Prime Minister also noted that heavy rains are forecast to continue until 16 September. He expressed full confidence in the protective measures being taken around Vientiane to address flood risks, including mobilisation of personnel, coordinated efforts, inspection of sluice gates and protection of infrastructure.

"On behalf of the Government and people of Cambodia, I wish to convey that the Cambodian people stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with their brotherly Lao neighbours at this difficult moment," stressed the PM.