South-central region urged to raise capacity in natural disaster response
The south-central coastal region, the most disaster-prone in Vietnam, must focus on improving disaster forecasting so early warnings can be produced to facilitate proactive response, an official told the Vietnam News Agency.
Hanoi (VNA) – The south-central coastal region, the most disaster-prone in Vietnam, must focus on improving disaster forecasting so early warnings can be produced to facilitate proactive response, an official told the Vietnam News Agency.
Last November, the region was severely hit by torrential rains and flooding, leaving dozens of people dead and missing.
The National Strategy on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control for the 2021 – 2030 period, with a vision towards 2045, highlights tasks and solutions to help the region prevent and mitigate impacts of natural disasters, particularly storm, ♓flood, drought, landslide, and coastal and river erosion, said Tang Quoc Chinh, Director of the Department of Disaster Safety Control under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Vietnam Disaster Management Authority.🦩 Focus must be placed on improving disaster forecasting to produce early warnings and proactive response, he said.
Rescuers use a boat to move children to safety in Vietnam. Illustrative photo. (Source: VNA)
The region needs to develop a multi-disaster warning system to monitor rainfall, flood, landslide and others, while providing guidelines for building disaster-resilient structures and evacuation shelters and financially supporting disadvantaged households to construct storm- and flood-resistant houses, he noted.
It must enhance the effectiveness of risk zoning, establish a communal-level disaster warning map and tighten control on construction of housing and infrastructure, particularly coastal and riverside tourist sites, he suggested, adding more attention should be paid to forest management, protection and development, preservation of coastal sand dunes and shift to disaster-resilient farming.
In the long run, the region should harmonise disaster response efforts among state management agencies and advisory bodies and build capacity for governmental staff specialised꧃ in natural disaster prevention and control, while applying advanced technology and developing database in this matter, the official added./.
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.
The Prime Minister has ordered localities in the central region, ministries, and sectors to take swift actions to address flooding consequences and gear up for an approaching tropical depression likely to strengthen into storm.
The Embassy of Japan and UNICEF Vietnam on November 17 signed an exchange of notes for a project on “enhancing resilience to disaster risks and climate change for children”, which runs in Vietnam from 2021 – 2026.
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.
The dispatch noted that since the beginning of 2025, natural disasters have claimed 29 lives and left several others missing. A total of 67 houses have collapsed, and 2,342 homes have been unroofed or damaged.
Its Forest Protection Sub-department has applied various specialised software and information technologies in forest management and protection and fire prevention.
In 2005, Nghe An had 570 captive bears, the largest number in Vietnam. Thanks to efforts by local authorities, forest rangers, and rescue forces, the number has fallen to just 15.
Illustrative photo. (Source: VNA)
Rescuers use a boat to move children to safety in Vietnam. Illustrative photo. (Source: VNA)
