Our friends at East Meets West Foundation has released the following urgent appeal (Vietnamese version). All it takes is a click of a button and you can make a huge difference in the lives of those impacted by the typhoon. Every dollar counts! And don’t worry, your donations will be in trusted hands. East Meets West is the most respected and trusted charity working in Vietnam. Below is their letter:
The people of Vietnam need your help—Typhoon Ketsana has caused major damage in central Vietnam
Over the past three days, driving winds and torrential rains have slammed into the central region of the country after the storm made landfall on Wednesday. At least 70 people have been killed, with more missing and scores injured. Over 6,000 homes were destroyed, along with roads, bridges, schools and medical clinics. Officials say the death toll is expected to rise as more reports come in and the floodwaters cause more damage. There will be a severe ongoing impact on the livelihoods of local farmers and fishermen.
Most East Meets West projects have weathered the typhoon; the schools and homes we have built are sturdy and designed to be storm-proof. Our village water systems are protected against floods through capped wells, submerged pumps and protected electrical components inside secure buildings. However, over 100 students at the EMW-built ethnic minority boarding school in the central highlands province Kon Tum are trapped by floodwaters, and in many communities there is a dire need for food and supplies.
There are two ways you can help immediately: donate directly to EMW online—simply click below.
Or, spread the word to your friends and networks through Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites by forwarding them the link to this appeal.
The East Meets West approach is to help families and communities become more resilient to future storms. We don’t just offer emergency relief, our response teams are focusing on repairing homes with improved roofs that can withstand high-velocity winds and flooding, and water systems with elevated power systems, proper drains, capped wells, diverters and pumps to protect the rudimentary clean water and sanitation systems found in most Vietnamese homes.
A new storm-proof house costs less than $2,000 – inexpensive by American standards, but far beyond the reach of the average Vietnamese family.
We invite you to help the Ketsana victims rebuild their communities. As global climate change intensifies, your support will help us work with vulnerable communities to improve their resilience in the face of future severe weather.
Thank you in advance for your ongoing support for the people of Vietnam.
Warmest regards,
John Anner
Executive Director
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