Natural disasters cause economic losses of over 215 million USD this year
Economic losses caused by natural disasters in Vietnam this year to September 27 had amounted to 5 trillion VND (over 215 million USD), it was reported at a meeting held in the central province of Quang Binh on October 8.
More than 400 houses in Quang Binh are inundated in floodwater (Illustrative photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Economic losses caused by natural disasters in Vietnam thisyear to September 27 had amounted to 5 trillion VND (over 215 million USD), itwas reported at a meeting held in the central province of Quang Binh on October8.
Themeeting, which was organized in response to the International Day for Disaster Reduction,also heard that natural disasters also caused the death or missing of 98 peoplein the period.
Sincethe beginning of this year, Vietnam has been hit by 248 thunderstorms, whirlwindsand torrential rains; five tropical storms on the East Sea; 13 flash floods and68 earthquakes, not to mention serious saline intrusion and erosion along riverbanks and sea dykes in the Mekong Delta.
Addressingthe meeting, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Vietnam Red Cross (VRC)Nguyen Hai Anh said the VRC always considers natural disaster response one of itskey strategic missions. The VRC has dedicated most of its resources to thework, he said.
Accordingto Anh, the VRC has promoted communication campaigns to educate its chaptersand the public in how to prevent and respond to natural disasters. The associationalso participates in the evacuation of people, search and rescue work and aidprovision during times of disasters.
Lastyear, the VRC distributed aid worth more than 118 billion VND to disaster victims.The aid it provided so far this year has amounted to 136 billion VND./.
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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on September 16 issued a notice, asking relevant ministries, agencies and localities to keep a close eye on the development of Storm Noul and put forth specific tasks.
Noul, the fifth storm to enter the East Sea this year, is gaining strength, heading to the central region of Vietnam and is expected to make landfall on September 18.
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.
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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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More than 400 houses in Quang Binh are inundated in floodwater (Illustrative photo: VNA) 
