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The Union of Friendship Organizations of Ca Mau province in coordination with Save the Children International - Representative Office in Vietnam on October 11 held a ceremony to launch the emergency relief project for households in difficult circumstances and schools affected by the drought in 2024 in U Minh district.

The project supports 390 households in difficulty and 11 schools in 4 communes in the buffer zone, along the forest of U Minh Ha National Park affected by drought in U Minh district that have not received similar support from other units and organizations, including Khanh An, Nguyen Phich, Khanh Lam and Khanh Thuan.

Representatives of the Union of Friendship Organizations of Ca Mau province, the People's Committee of U Minh district and Save the Children Vietnam presented cash gifts to households at the Cultural Center of Khanh An commune, U Minh district.

The total expected value of the distribution to households and schools is over VND 1.8 billion (USD 72.500), sponsored by Save the Children. In which, the total amount expected to be allocated to households to purchase and equip necessary items to recover from drought and respond when drought occurs is VND 1.1 billion (USD 44.300) and 11 schools to invest in purchasing water storage equipment so that students have enough water to use during drought is VND 715 million (USD 28.807).

The goal of the aid is to help children, families and schools affected by the 2024 drought in U Minh district to increase their ability to respond to drought and natural disasters through an emergency cash support package.

Previously, in May, Save the Children in coordination with the Ca Mau Union of Friendship Organizations implemented a cash support package for poor, near-poor, and those in difficult circumstances affected by the 2024 drought in Tran Van Thoi district.

Support given to local people affected by the drought.

The prolonged drought in the Mekong Delta has drastically affected water sources for daily use and agriculture. Dry canals have made travel more challenging, preventing boat transportation and forcing households to spend more on transportation to buy water and other necessities.

On April 10, 2024, the People's Committee of Ca Mau issued Decision No. 719/QD-UBND, declaring a level 2 drought emergency in Tran Van Thoi and U Minh districts. The prolonged drought has caused water levels in U Minh's freshwater areas to drop significantly, and most canals and streams in Tran Van Thoi have dried up. In Tran Van Thoi, the drought has led to subsidence and landslides at 601 locations along more than 132 canals and streams, covering 15,890 meters. U Minh district has also experienced subsidence and landslides due to drought.

Local people sign to receive cash grants.

The cash grants provide drought-affected households with more resources for daily expenses, ensuring family health, particularly for children. Schools also struggle with clean water shortages due to drought. The aid will help schools upgrade and improve water supply systems, ensuring students have clean water, especially during the dry season.

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