VN proactively mitigates natural disasters
VGP - Floods account for half of natural catastrophes that have been devastating the world over the past 30 years, according to the United Nations. Being one of countries that are under risks, Vietnam has gained reputation for its efforts to mitigate natural calamities.
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Hydro-meteorological figures show that Vietnam over the past decade has witnessed more droughts, heat waves and floods with unpredictable and unseasonal rainfalls. Abnormal storms and atmospheric pressures have undermined preventive measures.
The Central Steering Board for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control says natural disasters, mostly floods and storms, kill some 700 people every year. Causalities of flash floods and landslides claim hundreds of lives annually and severely affect production, economy and people’s livelihood.
To cope with the situation, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved a national strategy for natural disaster prevention, response and mitigation through 2020.
Accordingly, the State and people will joint efforts to implement the strategy, effectively using state resources and mobilizing all resources available from the community, organizations and individuals inside and outside Vietnam.
The common goal of the strategy is to mobilize all resources to fight natural disaster from now until 2020 and minimize losses in life and property as well as destruction of natural resources, environment and cultural heritages, while ensuring the country’s sustainable development, defense and security.
The strategy aims to enhance capacity to forecast storms, floods, salinization, earthquakes, tsunamis and dangerous hydro-meteorological phenomena. The core task will be to forecast storms and atmospheric pressures 72 hours ahead.
The strategy sets out 9 sets of common tasks and measures, 5 groups of specific tasks and measures for every region.
Primary task is to build and finalize the legislation on natural disaster prevention and mitigation. Relief policies should be adopted for each region. Application of science and technology, investment and international cooperation are encouraged to help prevent and mitigate natural disasters.
The State encourages the application of advanced technology to improve forecasting capacity, communications and research of earth and nature. New technology and materials are preferred in the fight against natural calamities.
The strategy points out steps for the development of natural disaster-related science: emergency, natural disaster management, sustainable development, catastrophic health care, post-disaster production and environment.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Central Steering Board for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control are responsible for the implementation of the national strategy for natural disaster prevention, response and mitigation of until 2020.
By Ngoc Van
