Hydro-meteorological activities crucial for disaster risk reduction
The significant role of the hydro-meteorological sector in eliminating natural disasters was spotlighted at a ceremony held in Hanoi on March 22 in response to World Meteorological Day and World Water Day.
Vietnam is on the list of the nations that are facing a water shortage. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The significant role of the hydro-meteorological sectorin eliminating natural disasters was spotlighted at a ceremony held in Hanoi onMarch 22 in response to World Meteorological Day and World Water Day.
The event, held by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE),aims to raise public awareness of nature-based solutions to address water managementchallenges and improve water security.
As Vietnam is on the list of the nations that are facing a water shortage withan average of 3,600 cubic metres of clean water per person per year, 400 cubicmetres lower than the global level, MoNRE Deputy Minister Vo Tuan Nhan saidthat the ministry should pay more attention to media work on water resource andmeteorological activities.
The work should focus on the national water resource master plan, nationalstrategy on water resource by 2020, solutions to ensuring water security,implementation of the Law on Hydro-meteorology and early forecast of extremeweather conditions, he noted.
“Weather-ready, climate-smart” is the theme of the World Meteorological Day in2018 while the theme for World Water Day is “Nature for Water”.-VNA
Participants to a conference in Hanoi on February 26-27 agreed on the need for countries worldwide in general and Vietnam in particular to enhance weather forecast capacity by embracing new technology.
Among 12-13 storms forecast to enter East Sea, up to six are forecast to directly affect the mainland in 2018, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecastings.
The National Hydro-Meteorological Service (HMS) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has played a central role in supporting Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and the Philippines in applying early risk warning systems, heard a workshop in Hanoi on March 19.
Ata Hussian, an officer from the WMO spoke highly of WMO’s support centre in Hanoi, saying it has played an important role in supporting supply of weather forecast services in the region.
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.
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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.
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