Disasters cause economic losses of 1-1.5 percent of GDP annually
Over the past 30 years, natural disasters in Vietnam cause the death or missing of nearly 400 people along with economic losses of about 1-1.5 percent of GDP each year.
Hanoi (VNA) - Over the past 30 years, natural disasters in Vietnam cause the death or missing of nearly 400 people along with economic losses of about 1-1.5percent of GDP each year.
The information was released at a recent ceremony held bythe National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control tocelebrate International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and ASEAN Day forDisaster Management (ADDM).
Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanhsaid that with the theme "Cooperation to overcome challengestogether", the event affirms Vietnam's determination in cooperating withcountries, agencies of the UN and ASEAN, and international organisations inraising global awareness of mitigating disaster risks and improving adaptivecapacity and responding more effectively to natural disasters in the context ofthe COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, Vietnam is one of the countries which are mostaffected by climate change and often suffer from many types of naturaldisasters, especially storms, floods, landslides, drought, and saltwaterintrusion.
Therefore, the Vietnamese Party, State, and Government,local authorities, and socio-political organisations always pay attention todisaster prevention and control, he stressed.
Vietnam has actively joined international organisations andforums related to natural disaster prevention and mitigation, Thanh said,adding that Vietnam always is an active member and effectively contributes toASEAN's joint efforts in disaster risk reduction and prevention.
However, there are still many limitations related toforecast, warning, resources, equipment, infrastructure, forces, application ofscience and technology, and post-disaster recovery, he said. The COVID-19pandemic poses a requirement to effectively respond to risks when they occur atthe same time with natural disasters.
The Vietnamese Government always considers natural disasterprevention and control the top task of the whole political system in order toprotect the people's lives, health, and property, Deputy PM Thanh said.
Vietnam highly values and hopes that countries,organisations and international friends continue to accompany and supportVietnam in early access to advanced science and technology, and resources topromptly respond and quickly overcome impacts and consequences of naturaldisasters./.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh has signed a decision approving the project on protecting and developing coastal forests to respond to climate change and promote green growth in the 2021-2030 period.
The theme of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2021 spotlights the importance of international cooperation to overcome the dual challenges of natural disasters and COVID-19 pandemic, according to deputy head of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Tran Quang Hoai.
A competition for Vietnamese students was launched in Hanoi on October 12 to seek innovative communication solutions to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and climate change, in response to International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (October 13).
Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh on October 12 chaired an online meeting of the National Steering Committee on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control with six central localities on measures to respond to Storm Kompasu, the eighth entering the East Sea so far this year.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
Flooding submerges central Vietnam (Photo: VNA) 
