
Typhoon Kajiki Wreaks Havoc in Vietnam, IOM Boosts Aid
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is deeply concerned about the destruction caused by Typhoon Kajiki in Viet Nam. To date, the disaster has claimed at least seven lives, injured 47 people, displaced thousands of families, and damaged more than 30,000 homes across multiple provinces. Heavy rains continue to increase the risk of flooding and landslides, further complicating humanitarian needs and hampering relief access.
“The typhoon has uprooted families and left thousands without safe shelter. Our thoughts are with the people affected, especially those mourning loved ones or facing the loss of their homes,” said Iori Kato, IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. “IOM stands with the Government of Viet Nam to deliver urgent relief, while helping communities prepare for future storms. As extreme weather events become more frequent, we must work together to ensure no one is left behind.”
Ahead of Typhoon Kajiki’s landfall, Viet Nam evacuated close to 300,000 people from coastal provinces, a move that helped save lives but has left many in temporary or unsafe shelters. The destruction to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods has created urgent needs for essential non-food items (NFIs), water and sanitation, safe shelter, and cash-based assistance. Electricity supply has also been disrupted, with more than 300 poles downed and blackouts reported in several provinces.
As co-lead of the Emergency Shelter and NFI Sector, IOM Viet Nam is coordinating closely with the Viet Nam Disasters and Dikes Management Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Planned actions include the rapid delivery of NFIs and multipurpose cash assistance through an established partnership with local partners and Viet Nam Post. Post-distribution monitoring and an active hotline will help ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of assistance.
IOM’s response to Typhoon Kajiki builds on lessons learned from Typhoon Yagi in 2024, when IOM supported nearly 37,000 people with urgent relief. Support at the time included the distribution of hygiene and household kits, as well as cash assistance to nearly 2,900 households for housing repair and reconstruction, and the construction of six resilient evacuation centres in northern provinces. These centres, designed to be inclusive and accessible, continue to provide shelter and protection in times of crisis.
Going forward, IOM aims to mobilize resources for immediate relief and long-term recovery. Planned interventions include repairing and rebuilding damaged shelters, supporting resilient housing reconstruction, expanding evacuation centres, and providing communities with first-aid kits, search-and-rescue equipment, and disaster preparedness training.
Viet Nam is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and proactive measures to adapt to more frequent climate-related shocks are essential to protect lives and reduce displacement. IOM reaffirms its commitment to supporting government-led response efforts and to working alongside communities as they recover and build resilience.
https://www.iom.int/news/typhoon-kajiki-causes-widespread-damage-viet-nam-iom-scales-response