Viet Nam
Health Emergency Situation Report 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
Typhoon Ketsana, with maximum winds at the centre of 118-149kph, hit Viet Nam on 29 September 2009. Most affected areas include central coastal regions such as Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, and Quang Ngai. Houses, rice fields and vegetable gardens have been damaged. The storm, which was observed to be increasing in strength, has caused severe floods and damages in the Philippines.
Damage to Infrastructure
Agricultural areas and houses were damaged. Three boats sank.
HEALTH IMPACT
Awaiting reports from assessment teams deployed by the Ministry of Health
Casualties
As of 29 September 2009, 5:00 pm, death toll has reached 17; 6 persons were missing, and 2 were injured.
Damage to Health Facilities
Awaiting reports from assessment teams deployed by the Ministry of Health and reports from provincial health departments
RESPONSE
The Government of Viet Nam has mobilized the army to assist in evacuation measures. 167 000 people have been evacuated. Fishing boats were also advised to take shelter
The government is also preparing 2 000 kg of PUR sachets (water treatment products) for distribution as necessary.
MOH Response
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has sent 1 team to affected areas for monitoring and technical support. MOH has also sent 200 medicine stocks, 590 life vests, and 3 000 000 000 chloramine B tablets for water treatment to potential affected provinces from Binh Binh to Kanh Hoa. The Ministry is in close communication with other government agencies and international health partners for possible support.
International Response
International partners are closely monitoring the situation and are taking preparatory measures, preparation of rapid assessment teams and possible pre-activation of clusters.
Rapid Assessment Teams have been organized. UN agencies are holding coordination meetings for updates and plans and are in constant communication with government agencies.
WHO Response
WHO is in close communication with the Disaster Management Unit (DMU) of the Ministry of Health, Departments of Health in affected provinces and PCG-10 (other UN agencies) for information sharing and provision of necessary health support. WASH and health clusters will be activated with the support of MOH. Joint assessment teams are being organized with Hanoi School of Public Health and Disaster Management Working Group (DMWG).
Sources
The Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control
A4, MARD, 2 Ngoc Ha St.,
Hanoi, Viet Nam
http://www.ccfsc.org.vn/ccfsc/
Emergency and Humanitarian Action
WHO – Viet Nam
63 tran Hung Dao Street
Ha Noi, Viet Nam
http://www.wpro.who.int/vietnam/home.htm
For further information please contact:
Country Office
Dr Vu Quang Hieu
Emergency and Humanitarian Action
WHO – Viet Nam
63 tran Hung Dao Street
Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Email:
WHO Regional Office
Dr Arturo Pesigan
Tel: (632) 528 9810
Fax: (632) 528 9072
Email: