The number of dead and missing people as the result of natural disasters in Vietnam fell from 2,030 in the 2002-2007 period to 1,868 during 2008-2012, as a result of a series of preventive measures.
 
According to Deputy Chief of the Office of the Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control Van Phu Chinh, the country has shifted its policy from countering natural disasters to prevention, as shown in the promulgation of the law on natural disaster prevention, as well as many legal documents and policies in the field.

The Government has approved a plan for irrigation system development in the Mekong Delta, the Red River Delta and the central regions to cope with climate change and rising sea levels.

The country is also working on modernising the hydrological observation network to facilitate forecasting work. Meanwhile, fishermen in 28 coastal provinces have been provided with 7,000 tools for weather forecasting and 3,000 satellite communication systems installed for offshore fishing vessels.

At the same time, the country has been building infrastructure projects to mitigate disasters’ consequences. The Prime Minister has approved a programme to upgrade the sea dyke system stretching from Quang Ninh province in the north to Kien Giang province in the south and another plan to improve river dykes.

The first phase of a scheme to build flood-proof residential complexes and clusters in the Mekong Delta has been completed and the second phase is now underway, alongside with a pilot programme to build flood shelters for residents in flood-vulnerable areas in the central localities.

Speaking at the third national forum on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation on October 10, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat said Vietnam has been using resources effectively to reduce the risks caused by disasters.

In the coming time, the country will further promote disaster management by applying technology, while working closely with international organizations and donors in the field.-VNA