Organized by the Central Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control (CCDPC)/Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the World Bank, over 200 delegates from various Ministries, agencies, and international and local organizations discussed policy options to mitigate the impact of disasters, especially those related to institutional capacity and financing solutions.
Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung said Vietnam faces several key challenges in disaster risk management, including institutional fragmentation, ineffective processes for coordinated sectoral planning, and the absence of a cost-effective strategy for financial protection.
According to Mr Nguyen Xuan Cuong, MARD Minister and CCDPC Chairman, impacts of natural disasters are high in areas where economic activities are vibrant. Protection and prevention are key priorities as well as decisive action in ensuring economic growth and poverty reduction. A holistic approach is needed besides traditional ones, with the development of essential infrastructure and supporting tools, and the application of science and technology in integrated disaster risk management. Disaster risk management should also be integrated into socio-economic development plans of localities and agencies.
In August, flash-floods and a landslide struck Son La, Yen Bai and neighboring provinces in the North, resulting in at least 44 dead or missing, and economic losses amounting to USD55 million. Next, Typhoon Doksuri, the most powerful storm in recent years, caused nine deaths, destroyed 193,000 houses, and losses of up to USD385 million in Central region. Recently, on October 9th-10th, water levels surpassed historical heights with torrential rains in the Northern and Central provinces. More than 80 people have been reported to be either dead or missing, and the economic losses are staggering.
Annually, disasters cost the nation an average of up to 1.5% of its GDP. In the event of a major disaster, this can go as high as 4% of GDP. Each year, over 300 lives are lost on average. Agriculture is considered the most vulnerable sector for almost all kinds of natural disasters.
Delegates discussed options to address the challenges, including clarifying and consolidating disaster risk management responsibilities across agencies and establishing robust systems for disaster preparedness and response.
The conference also presented the key findings of Toward Integrated Risk Management and Resilience for Drought and Saltwater Intrusion in Vietnam, a report that highlights the prolonged drought of 2015 and 2016 to illustrate the need for integrated disaster risk management.