Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit arm to support impacted communities in Northern Vietnam following Typhoon Yagi.
Typhoon Yagi hit Vietnam with sustained winds of 142 mph and heavy rainfall.
More than 350 people are reported to be dead or missing, and over 800 people have reported injuries following landslides, falling trees and widespread flooding.
An estimated 188,000 houses are damaged, destroyed or flooded and there has been significant damage to power infrastructure, bridges and educational facilities.
The Intrepid Foundation has established the appeal in partnership with Vietnam-based NGO partner, the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, which is on the ground supporting local communities in the region.
All funds raised through the appeal will go directly to the charity to provide immediate relief to thousands who are without shelter, food and electricity due to flooding and landslides, after the powerful storm made landfall on September 7.
“Typhoon Yagi has been the largest storm to impact Vietnam in over 30 years. By supporting this appeal, the international travel community can directly contribute to the humanitarian relief efforts, supplying immediate needs to children and families across the 13 northern provinces,” said Biheng Zhang, general manager of The Intrepid Foundation.
Vietnam is Intrepid’s most popular destination and The Intrepid Foundation has been partnering with local community organisations in Vietnam for more than a decade.
The Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation is one of three longstanding charity partners in the region.
Intrepid has confirmed that travellers and staff in Vietnam are safe, and trips in Vietnam continue to operate.
Groups currently in Northern Vietnam are being rerouted away from affected areas and provided with an alternative itinerary and inclusions.
Trips will resume in affected regions at the earliest opportunity, to ensure local communities continue to benefit from the economic support of tourism.
To donate to recovery efforts, please visit The Intrepid Foundation’s Vietnam Typhoon Yagi Appeal.
The UK government announced £1 million of humanitarian assistance to Vietnam at the weekend to support the initial phase of the response to the impact of Typhoon Yagi.
The assistance will be allocated to humanitarian partners with emergency supplies, cash assistance and critical services, such as health, water and sanitation.