World Vision prepares for arrival of Super Typhoon Haiyan in Vietnam and Laos

- Canadian aid worker available for interview from Laos -

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - World Vision stands ready to provide emergency assistance with Super Typhoon Haiyan which is expected to make landfall in Vietnam on Sunday morning.

After causing mass devastation and killing at least 100 people in the Philippines, Typhoon Haiyan is now heading towards Vietnam, packing winds of up to 180kph. According to state media, the Vietnamese government has ordered the evacuation of over 100,000 people in Danang and Quang Ngai provinces of Central Vietnam. Neighbouring Laos is also projected to be affected by the storm.

World Vision is working closely with government counterparts and communities to prepare for the storm, including the reinforcement of homes and to stockpile food and water supplies. Vietnam and Laos are already reeling from a series of tropical storms in recent months, and Typhoon Haiyan may worsen the situation, especially as both countries are in the midst of their annual rice harvest.

Quotes
"While the storm will be weaker than when it struck the Philippines, Haiyan still poses danger to the people of Vietnam," says Mr. Le Van Duong, World Vision Vietnam's National Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Coordinator. "We fear the typhoon could have the potential to destroy many homes and lead to severe floods and landslides."

"Laos too has been heavily hit this wet season, with flooding and landslides across the country. People in the southern areas are still recovering from last month's devastation. Whenever agricultural land is damaged by storms there can be a devastating long-term impact on livelihoods," says Canadian aid worker Mark Nonkes who is based in Laos with World Vision.

"In all tropical storms and typhoons, it's the poor and marginalized who are the worst affected. We will continue to focus on helping children and their families from vulnerable communities get through this storm and strengthen their resilience for future disasters," says Ian Dawes, World Vision Lao PDR Operations Director.

Background
In September, World Vision responded to mass flooding in southern Laos where some 66,000 people were affected, and hundreds of hectares of rice destroyed. The organization provided clean water, food and emergency medical kits to thousands in the immediate aftermath of the flood and is continuing to support the affected communities with livelihood recovery projects.

World Vision works in 56 districts in Vietnam, supporting some 71,500 children in the sponsorships programme. In Laos, the organization works in 24 districts, supporting more than 40,000 children in the sponsorship programme.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca.

SOURCE: World Vision Canada