State President Tran Duc Luong on May 22 send a message of thanks to Chinese President Hu Jintao, expressing the Vietnamese Government and people’s gratitude towards the Chinese Government and people for their sentiments and timely assistance to Vietnamese victims of Typhoon Chanchu.

“We are deeply moved by the sentiments and good deeds by the Government and people of China, which demonstrated the close comradeship and brotherhood between the two nations,” said Mr Luong in the message.
“On behalf of the Party, State and people of Vietnam, I would like to extend my deep gratitude to you, the Party, State and people of China, especially those who have joined rescue work.”

At 09.10 on May 22, fishing vessel DNA 90324 owned by Pham Van Phu in Thanh Khe  district, Da Nang city, returned home safely after seven days of struggling to stay afloat on rough seas. All the 23 fishermen onboard are in good health condition. Captain Vo Van Het said all the crewmen and fishermen worked very hard to keep the ship from capsizing. They also helped bring ashore two other vessels, DNA7022 and HT 04536, with 40 fishermen onboard.

Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army Nguyen Duc Soat, who is also deputy head of the Central Committee on Flood and Storm Prevention and Control said rescue forces have not yet contacted six fishing vessels from Da Nang, and Quang Ngai which have a total of 87 fishermen. The Chinese Sea Search and Rescue Centre said it had rescued 15 fishing vessels from Da Nang, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai in distress at sea.

Raising funds for typhoon Chanchu victims

The Governmental Office on May 23 launched a campaign to raise funds for typhoon Chanchu victims in Da Nang city and the provinces of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai. Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, Deputy Prime Ministers Nguyen Tan Dzung and Vu Khoan, as well as Governmental Office staff actively took part in the charitable activity.

With the spirit of “Mau chay ruot mem” (Blood is thicker than water) and “La lanh dum la rach” (The good leaves protect the worn-out leaves), PM Khai called upon the entire people and soldiers, as well as Vietnamese nationals living aboard, to grant donation and relief to help families of the typhoon victims.

The Government leader also asked Party committees at all levels and local authorities to visit every victim’s family to help them overcome difficulties and stabilise their lives as soon as possible so that their children can go to school and enjoy healthcare service.

The same day, many agencies and localities throughout the country raised funds for victims of the typhoon Chanchu. The Vietnam Red Cross Society also sent a message of condolence and decided to provide each victim’s family with VND1 million. The High Command of the Border Guard also raised funds for the victims. The total funds mobilised from all forces are expected to reach VND1.3 billion.

Hanoi also sent a message of condolence and provided Da Nang city with VND200 million, Quang Nam province with VND150million and Quang Ngai province with VND100 million.

*** State officials hasten rescue and relief for typhoon victims

President Tran Duc Luong has requested that relevant agencies and local authorities heavily affected by Typhoon Chanchu work harder to help fishermen and their families overcome the typhoon aftermath and quickly resume their normal lives.

In an official letter dated May 22 to the central city of Da Nang and Quang Nam and Quang Ngai provinces, President Luong offered his deep condolences to families with members who were killed or left missing at sea by the disastrous storm. He also praised active and timely rescue work by rescue forces, the navy, sea police and border guards.

According to the statistics released by the National Committee for Storm and Flood Prevention and Control, as of 8 pm on May 21^st, Typhoon Chanchu has claimed 25 lives and left 89 lost at sea and wrecked 11 ships and left six others missing.

Vice Minister of Fisheries Nguyen Viet Thang has led a working delegation to the central provinces to direct rescue and relief activities. The Vietnam Fish Farming Fund has decided to provide VND1 million in aid to each family of fishermen killed by the typhoon. The Ministry has also proposed a Government policy to support typhoon-hit fishermen.

The Da Nang City People's Committee has decided on an urgent disbursement of VND250 million to assist in treatment activities for rescued sailors of wrecked ships and burial of killed fishermen brought ashore.