Early warnings important to mitigate risks from natural disasters

(Source: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment)

Hanoi (VNA) – Given the current climate change context, many people believe that "early warnings for early and timely action" is an important solution to mitigate risks from natural disasters.

Extreme weather is on the rise as a result of climate change’s severe impacts, said Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan during a ceremony to launch the national Earth Hour campaign.

The event, held in the mountainous province of Hoa Binh, also demonstrated the country’s support to two other United Nations annual observances, World Water Day on March 22 and World Meteorological Day on March 23.

This is an important event launched by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to emphasize the important role of water resources, thereby contributing to strengthening the sustainable management of water resources and at the same time making early forecasts to be ready to promptly respond to extreme weather events.

Illustrative image (Source: Vietnam+)

Speaking at the ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi maintained that water is life. Every drop of water is precious, and we share a responsibility to use it efficiently and to avoid pollution of water sources, including surface water and groundwater.

As a member of the water global task force, UNDP is coordinating with partners to help Viet Nam respond to drought and water insecurity. For example, UNDP is implementing a 30 million USD project in five South Central provinces- Highlands to support smallholder farmers cope with climate-induced droughts and lack of water for their livelihoods.

“In these projects, we see nature as our ally against the climate crisis: Nature based solutions are how we can simultaneously protect our natural resources while addressing the challenges of climate water and food security,” said the UNDP official.

Climate change has brought extreme changes in weather such as more severe flooding and drought. In turn, natural resources like underground water are badly affected. (Photo: Hung Vo/Vietnam+)

According to the ministry, climate change has brought extreme changes in weather such as more severe flooding and drought. In turn, natural resources like underground water are badly affected.

Statistics from the UNICEF in 2019 showed that nearly one-third of the world’s population lacked clean water. The 2020 World Water Development Report entitled Water and Climate Change focused on tackling the challenges of climate change and opportunities offered by improved water management.

Harmonious and efficient use of water sources is a need to tackle the challenges of climate change. (Photo: Vietnam+)

"Climate change is happening every day and causing severe damages like the saline intrusion in Vietnam. It shows that water resource is the hardest hit, badly affecting the people, economy and environment," the ministry states in their report.

Vietnam has many storms, flooding along with shared rivers with other countries. There are efforts in improving state management and collecting and sharing data about rain and water sources for monitoring and forecasting natural disasters.

However, they have had many challenges in meteorological observations and forecasting during climate changes. The weather is becoming more extreme and natural disasters are occurring more frequently.

In order to respond better to climate change and limit the damages, Vietnam must find solutions for sustainable water resources which requires co-operation from all ministries and authorities./.