The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has launched a nationwide campaign to raise donations for communities ravaged by recent storms and floods, following an appeal from the Communist Party, the Government and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee.

The launch ceremony, held Thursday afternoon, was chaired by Minister Nguyen Hong Dien, Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Minister of Industry and Trade. Deputy Ministers Truong Thanh Hoai and Phan Van Ban, Industry and Trade Union Chairman Le An Hai, senior officials, and hundreds of ministry staff attended the event.

Over the past weeks, five tropical storms have swept through the East Sea, with Ragasa, Bualoi and Matmo among the most devastating. Torrential rain and powerful winds lashed northern and north-central provinces, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.

Preliminary reports as of October 9 showed more than 80 people dead or missing and over 140 injured. Around 200,000 homes were destroyed or damaged, while some 90,000 hectares of rice fields and crops were submerged. Roads, schools and hospitals sustained extensive damage, with total economic losses estimated in the tens of trillions of dong. Thousands of families have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Responding to the call from the Party, the Government and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee to support disaster-affected communities, the Party Committee and leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Trade urged all Party members, officials and employees across the sector to uphold the spirit of solidarity and compassion, joining hands through practical actions to assist those in flood-hit areas.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien said the campaign embodies the ministry’s spirit of solidarity with disaster-hit regions. “In the spirit of compassion and unity, sharing what we have with those in need. Every official and employee is encouraged to contribute at least one day’s salary,” he said.

The minister directed the ministry’s Board for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization and its Office to ensure all donations are promptly delivered to the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee.

Nguyen Minh Hue, Acting Head of the Board for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, called on staff to contribute according to their means in response to the Fatherland Front’s appeal for every public servant to donate one day’s pay.

The ministry’s leadership also encouraged Party organizations, agencies, enterprises and unions across the sector to continue fundraising in ways suited to their conditions, promoting the spirit of unity and shared responsibility.

With its long tradition of solidarity and service, the MoIT pledged to stand alongside local authorities and communities nationwide to help rebuild infrastructure, restore production and support people in returning to normal life.