A house teetering on bring following a landslide in the northern city of Hòa Bình after Typhoon Sơn Tinh hit Việt Nam in July 2018. Natural disasters left 224 dead and missing last year and caused economic losses of VNĐ20 trillion (US$851 million). — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Hải HÀ NỘI — Localities, sectors and people nationwide have been urged to respond to natural disasters in a more active, prompt and effective manner. “According to United Nations and international organisations, Việt Nam is one of ten countries threatened the most severely by natural disasters," Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said on Thursday at a national online conference on natural disaster prevention, control, search and rescue. "Without active prevention and control, we will suffer from huge losses." The conference took place ahead of the storm season, sending a message to encourage everyone to work to … [Read more...] about PM urges natural disaster risk management and prevention
Risk management
Workshop highlights importance of climate risk management
Drought caused by climate change has become a serious problem for Vietnam in recent years. (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Climate risk management, covering climate risk insurance, is playing an increasingly important role in preventing and mitigating losses caused by climate change, experts said at a workshop in Hanoi on April 8. Pham Huu Due – head of the National Assembly Office’s bureau of science, technology, and environment – pointed out the increased frequency of climate change-related natural disasters which have threatened the lives and livelihoods of many people, especially those in poorer communities. Therefore, climate change combat requires more solutions on state management, he said, suggesting enhancing the public’s climate change adaptation capacity and promoting international cooperation in this regard. Vu Thi Bich Hop, Chairwoman of the Network of Vietnamese Non-Governmental Organisations and Climate Change (VNGO&CC), said the … [Read more...] about Workshop highlights importance of climate risk management
Kyrgyz Republic strengthens disaster risk management
The project, comprising a USD21.8 million loan and a USD16.8 million grant from the Asian Development Fund, will focus on the Ferghana Valley in the southwestern part of the country and the Chui River Basin in the north, both of which are vulnerable to flooding, mudflows, and drought exacerbated by climate change. The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic will contribute USD5 million to the project.The Kyrgyz Republic is vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change and extreme weather events. Disasters triggered by natural hazards—floods, droughts, landslides, and earthquakes—are frequent and cost the economy approximately 1.0% to 1.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) annually. Irrigated agriculture, which is critical for sustained agricultural production in the Kyrgyz Republic, is particularly vulnerable to climate change. It is the primary source of livelihood for about 30% of the population (including about 45% of the lower-income rural population) and contributes … [Read more...] about Kyrgyz Republic strengthens disaster risk management
Community-based disaster risk management in Vietnam
In recent years, to cope with unpredictable weather patterns, the Vietnamese government has made great efforts in natural disaster prevention and control. Establishing a pilot model on community based disaster risk management is a goal which many localities nationwide have applied to cope with natural disaster while minimising losses. With this high attic, Vo Thanh Truc’s family can be safe during flood season. With a simple design, the attic is a place for them to shelter from the flood. The hurricane-proof house model is among the models Hoa Nhon commune is applying to encourage locals to follow to meet the requirements of natural disaster prevention and control work and has been warmly received by locals. As a locality vulnerable to a number of natural disasters in the central region, besides building practical prevention and control works, Hoa Nhon commune has also encouraged locals to take the initiative during rainy season. Hoa Nhon is one of the six localities to … [Read more...] about Community-based disaster risk management in Vietnam
Vietnam, Finland co-hosted event on risk management in water supply
Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – A seminar co-hosted by Vietnam and Finland in the framework of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) High-level Political Forum has spotlighted the importance of access to safe water and smooth water supply especially in urban areas. The July 9 event drew the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Construction’s Technical Infrastructure Agency, Finland’s Poyry company and Aalto University, the World Health Organisation, and many representatives from UN members. The Water Safety Plan (WSP), developed by Finland to reduce risks in water supply, has been piloted in Hai Phong and Da Nang cities, and Dong Nai province. The useful tool for ensuring safe drinking water has been adjusted to suit Vietnamese water plants and the country’s regulations. Many experts described this as a vivid illustration for the sounding public-private partnership with Finland in the research on water … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Finland co-hosted event on risk management in water supply