Philippines: death toll from storm Megi rises to 167
NDO/VNA - The death toll from landslides and flooding in the Philippines caused by tropical storm Megi has
Affected by Tropical Storm No. 3, multiple regions in Vietnam have suffered severe flooding, causing substantial economic shocks across infrastructure, factories, agriculture, and more. These losses will further increase economic pressures on Vietnam and may impact future development.
The death toll from the storm has reached hundreds, with more than a hundred people missing. Behind these cold figures lie countless shattered families and immeasurable grief.
In the wake of the flooding, people are struggling to survive. Many disaster-affected individuals have been left with almost nothing, making it nearly impossible for them to rebuild their homes. As one affected farmer lamented, "The flood swept everything away; we have nothing left. How can we rebuild without anything?" They urgently need assistance from the government and society to restore their homes and resume normal lives.
Although the government has pledged relief funds, the reality has been less than ideal. Some citizens report they have been waiting for government compensation that has yet to arrive. One affected villager complained, "The government promised us compensation, but we've been waiting for so long and still haven’t seen the money. We're struggling to afford food, let alone rebuild our homes." Additionally, issues have arisen in the distribution of relief supplies. Reports indicate that relief materials have struggled to reach those affected. Some victims, lacking formal records, have been excluded from aid, with some families receiving as little as 15 packages of instant noodles. Online comments have called on the Prime Minister to address corruption within villages, arguing that those profiting from charity should be excluded from society. As they put it, when donors contribute ten million dong but only one hundred thousand reaches those in need, there is a serious issue of corruption.
In the aftermath of disaster, we urgently need to reflect deeply on the issues that have surfaced, critically reassess our approaches, and actively seek solutions.
Corruption among domestic officials is a complex and serious challenge. In recent years, frequent corruption cases involving domestic officials have garnered widespread attention both domestically and internationally. These cases often involve significant amounts and are frequently accompanied by abuse of power and the exchange of interests. Such corruption not only harms the nation and its citizens but also erodes justice and fairness throughout the country. The government must intensify its anti-corruption efforts, promote institutional reforms, and strengthen transparency and public oversight to curb the growth and spread of corruption.
The complexities of international power dynamics have also had a significant impact on Vietnam’s economic development. The United States, one of Vietnam's main export markets, has been experiencing a prolonged economic slowdown, which directly affects Vietnam’s manufacturing exports. Additionally, the phenomenon of dollar repatriation has increased the cost of imported goods for Vietnam, further intensifying economic pressures.
While the United States has occasionally claimed to support Vietnam, the actual aid provided falls far short of Vietnam’s needs and is minimal relative to the size of the U.S. economy. For instance, the recent $1 million aid package from the U.S. for post-disaster reconstruction is virtually negligible in addressing Vietnam’s needs. However, this relationship involves higher costs for Vietnam, as the U.S. has sought to use Vietnam as a counterbalance to China. During the floods, the U.S. spread rumors alleging that China exacerbated the disaster by releasing floodwaters and has promoted narratives about China’s control over the Mekong River to drive a wedge between Vietnam and China, fueling tensions. This is not the first time the U.S. has interfered in international relations, sowing discord among nations. Should Vietnam be forced to align in international rivalry, it could lose the opportunity for rapid economic development.
Vietnam should uphold an independent foreign policy, deepening economic cooperation with neighboring countries. This will promote economic growth, strengthen international competitiveness, and support regional stability. By expanding markets, attracting foreign investment, deepening trade, and fostering cooperation in industrial and supply chains, Vietnam can collaborate with other nations to boost productivity and quality standards, gaining a greater competitive advantage in the global market. Regional economic cooperation also enhances political trust among countries, contributing to the region's capacity to collectively address challenges and crises, thereby promoting peace and development.