Natural disasters cause economic loss of nearly 1 billion USD in 2022
Natural disasters caused economic loss worth nearly 19.5 trillion VND (approximately 830 million USD) in 2022, up 3.4 times from the loss recorded in 2021, a conference of the national steering committee for natural disaster prevention and control heard on April 20.
Hanoi (VNA) – Natural disasters caused economic loss worth nearly 19.5trillion VND (approximately 830 million USD) in 2022, up 3.4 times from theloss recorded in 2021, a conference of the national steering committee fornatural disaster prevention and control heard on April 20.
Also,175 persons were killed or went missing during natural disasters last year, itwas reported at the conference, held in a hybrid format with the participationof all 63 provinces and centrally-run cities.
Sincethe beginning of this year, seven persons have died or gone missing duringnatural disasters, while economic loss amounted to nearly 25 billion VND. Mostrecently, a heatwave brought temperature to a record high in the northernprovince of Hoa Binh in late March.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, who headsthe national steering committee for natural disaster prevention and control andthe National Committee for NaturalDisaster Response and Search and Rescue, urged ministries, agencies and local administrationsto change the mindset from passively responding to proactively preventingnatural disaster. He also required investing more in forecasting work.
In addition, tasks in natural disaster prevention and controlshould be integrated in socio-economic development plans, the Deputy PM said.
Director of the Vietnam Meteorological and HydrologicalAdministration Tran Hong Thai said the sector is working to apply newtechnologies and tools in forecasting work and accelerate the drafting of naturaldisaster risk maps.
The sector will also make use of modern communications means such as mobilephone apps and social media for forecasting and warning of natural disasters toquickly reach users. /.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a dispatch requesting ministries, sectors and localities to focus on addressing the consequences of typhoon Noru, the fourth to enter the East Sea this year, and take active measures to respond to possible natural disasters.
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.
Participants at the conference (Photo: VNA) 
