Disaster Response Must Combine Emergency Relief with Sustainable Livelihood Recovery
	Agriculture on Way to Recovery from Typhoon Yagi in Ha Giang's Communes

On July 30, the Stichting Oxfam Novib (Oxfam), in collaboration with the Phu Tho Provincial Women’s Union and the Lao Cai Red Cross Society, held a final learning workshop for the Typhoon Yagi Recovery Project. Funded by Oxfam, the project was launched in 2024 to provide emergency relief and livelihood recovery support to communities severely affected by Typhoon Yagi in the former provinces of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, and Hoa Binh, now part of Lao Cai and Phu Tho provinces.

Participants in the workshop included Pham Quang Tu, Deputy Country Director of Oxfam in Vietnam; Kha Thi Luan, Vice President of the Phu Tho Provincial Women’s Union; Ha Thi Ngoan, President of the Lao Cai Red Cross Society; representatives of the Australian Embassy in Vietnam; local authorities; and project beneficiaries.

Pham Quang Tu, Deputy Country Director of Oxfam in Vietnam, speaks at the workshop. (Photo: Oxfam)

Speaking at the workshop, Pham Quang Tu stated that immediately after Typhoon Yagi, Oxfam worked with partners to rapidly assess damages and essential needs in response to calls for support from the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and local authorities. Based on these assessments, Oxfam mobilized approximately USD 1.5 million (equivalent to VND 38 billion) to carry out relief and recovery activities.

Tu emphasized that the project’s most notable feature was its comprehensive approach, transitioning from emergency relief to sustainable livelihood restoration. “Right after a disaster, people need essential support to stabilize their lives. But stopping there is not enough. Long-term recovery depends on restoring livelihoods and reorganizing production,” he said.

Oxfam placed particular focus on two strategic directions: first, encouraging “labor-for-cash” programs, where residents participate in rebuilding rural infrastructure while earning income; second, providing crop and livestock breeds alongside technical training to help communities proactively restart production.

“Oxfam prioritizes helping people recover independently and build long-term resilience, rather than offering only short-term aid,” Tu noted.

Based on implementation experience, he argued that post-disaster assessments must evolve: beyond damage statistics, it is critical to identify real needs. “People know best what they require. Providing the right support to the right people ensures effective use of limited aid resources,” he said, adding that close coordination among stakeholders is key to avoiding duplication and ensuring timely assistance.

Pham Quang Tu also pointed out several shortcomings in administrative procedures that caused delays in receiving aid, reducing the timeliness and effectiveness of emergency relief efforts. Based on this, Oxfam recommended that relevant authorities revise Decree No. 50/2020/ND-CP on the reception, management, and use of emergency international aid for disaster relief and recovery, and Decree No. 80/2020/ND-CP on the management and use of non-official development assistance (non-ODA) grants provided by foreign agencies, organizations, and individuals to Vietnam. The proposed revisions aim to simplify procedures and facilitate the reception of international aid in emergencies.

Participants at the workshop. (Photo: Oxfam)

Le Thi Anh Nga, representative of the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, shared that Australia was the first country to deliver international relief supplies to Vietnam after Typhoon Yagi, with a total aid package worth 4 million AUD, channeled through organizations such as Oxfam, Save the Children, and various United Nations agencies.

“Natural disasters leave devastating consequences, especially for women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Listening to community voices helps us ensure our support is fair, effective, and timely,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation for the efforts of local authorities and communities throughout the recovery process. “We look forward to continued feedback on effective models as well as real-world challenges so we can improve the quality of future assistance,” she added.

Oxfam distributes water tanks and hygiene kits in Bac Ha and Bao Yen districts (former Lao Cai province), March 2025. (Photo: Oxfam)

At the workshop, representatives from the Phu Tho Provincial Women’s Union and the Lao Cai Red Cross Society presented summary reports on the project. Commune- and village-level delegates, along with beneficiaries, shared implementation experiences, highlighting achievements and ongoing challenges in coordination.

The participants proposed several solutions to enhance the effectiveness of future aid efforts. Notably, they emphasized the need to reform administrative procedures and shorten project approval processes, especially for emergency relief programs. Some suggestions included policy adjustments toward greater flexibility and alignment with local realities to ensure aid is delivered at the right time, to the right place, and the right people.

Additionally, participants urged Oxfam and international organizations to continue supporting mountainous areas characterized by difficult terrain, scattered populations, and high disaster risk, not only through emergency relief but also through long-term and sustainable development programs.

Regarding gender equality, many participants praised Oxfam’s approach in prioritizing support for women leaders. They also recommended establishing clear and transparent criteria to identify these groups, thereby facilitating implementation and strengthening community consensus.

Moreover, the participants underscored the importance of documenting the project implementation process, capturing effective models, exemplary stories, and lessons learned for wider dissemination and potential replication in other localities.

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