The figure was announced by a representative of Vietnam Red Cross Society at a December 14 press briefing in Hanoi concerning the world disaster done by the International Federation and Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The annual report by the IFRC assessed losses caused by natural disasters and acknowledged humanitarian aid contributed by governments, international and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as individual contributions given to the victims. It also assessed the equity, timeliness and adequacy of the IFRC's aid delivery.

According to the report, governments and NGOs worldwide donated over US$14 billion in humanitarian aid in 2005, the highest figure since 1970.

Over the past two years, a series of natural disasters hit Vietnam such as Typhoon Damrey (in 2005), and Typhoons Chanchu, Xangsane and Durian (in 2006), which ravaged the country's central and southern provinces. In addition, droughts, land slides and whirlwinds also caused great losses in northern provinces. The country received US$4.3 million from the IFRC in relief aid for the victims.

VNA