The National Week for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control in 2024 is taking place across Vietnam from May 17-22 under the theme of “Anticipatory action – a proactive approach to disaster management”, with an aim to raise the community’s capacity and the responsibility of all levels and sectors in this work.
People drill well to save the coffee area that is gradually drying up due to drought (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The National Week for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control in 2024 is taking place across Vietnam from May 17-22 under the theme of “Anticipatory action – a proactive approach to disaster management”, with an aim to raise the community’s capacity and the responsibility of all levels and sectors in this work.
As of the end of April, natural disasters had caused 12 people dead or missing, injured 21 others, pulled down 189 houses and damaged over 25,300 others.
To date, four southern provinces of Tien Giang, Ca Mau, Kien Giang, and Long An have announced emergency situations due to drought.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep, who is also deputy head of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, said that early action to strengthen resilience is a topic launched and oriented by the United Nations over the past years to raise awareness of countries on warning, forecasting, and preparation to respond to natural disasters.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep speaks at a meeting in response to National Week for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control (Photo: VNA)
The UN’s policies and strategies have been responded to and actively implemented by Vietnam in many activities in different fields at both central and local levels.
Therefore, localities need to have a concerted solution to implement the “three pillars” of early action of improving information, planning and implementing early action, and arranging available financial resources, Hiep said, stressing the importance of ensuring more accurate warnings and forecasts, and promptly providing them to vulnerable groups.
Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, stressed the necessity to strengthen cooperation in the Natural Disaster Mitigation Partnership (NDMP) by creating effective communication and cooperation channels among NDMP members, ministries, sectors, localities, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations, thereby building a comprehensive approach to disaster management.
💮 Joining hands to act early on a large scale is possible and effective against natural disasters, helping people receive support more early and quickly with costs reduced by half compared to the response phase, she said./.
Concrete roads, electricity systems, and flood-resistant bridges have made the border commune of Tung Vai in Quang Ba Quản district, which is one of the most natural disaster-prone regions in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang, more robust.
The disaster risk reduction partnership's plan for 2025-2030 will be developed in accordance with the Government of Vietnam's priorities on natural disaster prevention as well as in line with the strategic goals of all partners, Pauline Tamesis, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Vietnam has said.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has praised Vietnam's efforts in minimising the impact of natural disasters. The organisation applauded the country for its strong commitments and concrete actions in implementing the Green Revolution since the COP26 conference.
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.
