U.S. Grants Additional $500,000 for Drought-affected People in Vietnam

The U.S. has granted additional financial assistance of $500,000 for people affected by recent droughts and salt water intrusion in Vietnam, announced Ambassador Ted Osius to the Southeast Asian nation. The package will aim to help people in the affected areas get better access to clean water, the diplomat said, adding the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will cooperate with the Vietnam Red Cross to provide water reservoirs and cleaning equipment as well as disseminate hygienic practices to prevent disease spreading. So far this year, the U.S. has provided financial assistance of $850,000 for Vietnamese localities affected by drought and salinization. Since 2000, the U.S. has granted financial assistance of $12 million for Vietnam to help the country deal with natural disasters. Over one million of people from 150 communities across Vietnam have enjoyed benefits from the U.S.’s assistance. (vietq.vn July 6)