Monsoon rains related to Typhoon Ketsana, which affected the Philippines, have hit also Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. In Vietnam, 41 people have died due to flooding.

Worst hit were the major population centers of Hue and Da Nang. Authorities report that more than 52,000 households have been evacuated and residents are staying in shelters. To date, 162,000 houses have been damaged and 6,000 houses totally destroyed.

Flooding in the major cities has resulted in large amounts of waste being released into open water, contaminating water supplies. Flooding has also destroyed rice crops and aquaculture, resulting in loss of food supplies and livelihoods for people already living on the poverty line. Stagnant water in and around households could increase the risk of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever.

Priority needs foreseen at this stage: water and sanitation (rehabilitation and flood-proofing handpumps, latrines, wells and hygiene promotion); repair and upgrading flood shelters; and restoring livelihoods (providing seeds and seedlings). Food aid will only be considered if the flood is prolonged.