Representatives of Vietnam Red Cross Society and Prudential Vietnam Assurance Private Ltd broke ground for construction of a safe house in Xop Mat village, Tuong Duong District, Nghe An Province on Thursday. — Photo courtesy of organiser

Prudential Vietnam Assurance Private Ltd in collaboration with the Viet Nam Red Cross Society on Thursday began construction of five houses for families, whose houses were destroyed in a storm last year, in Xop Mat village, Luong Minh Commune, Tuong Duong District in Nghe An Province.

Last year, many people died in northern and northern central provinces, hundreds of houses were destroyed, and thousands of cattles and poultry were swept away due to the Rebinca storm, with Nghe An and Thanh Hoa the most severely affected provinces.

To help residents in these provinces, Prudential Vietnam has launched the "Safe Houses for the Community" project with three main activities: building safe houses, supporting livelihoods for needy people, and providing local authorities and residents with training to improve knowledge about disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

The five houses were the first of 30 houses that will be built in Nghe An and Thanh Hoa provinces as part of the programme.

The houses are expected to be completed and handed over in a two-month period, bringing a solid and stable accommodation in accordance with a safe house model for the recipients.

Previously, Prudential supported livelihoods for 44 households; organised three training courses on safe houses and four classes on improving knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to natural disasters for 110 officers and residents; and disseminated communications to the community of over 550 people living in 20 mountainous villages.

The company also funded VND1.5 billion (US$64,133) to support 11 cities and provinces to overcome storm and flood damages last year. — VNS