1

Table of Content
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................5
II. DISASTERS IN VIETNAM .....................................................................................................................................5
1. Background ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
2. Institutional Arrangements for disaster risk management in Vietnam ................................................................ 7
2.1 The Global Legal Basis for Disaster Risk Management ................................................................................... 7
2.2 The Legal Basis for Disaster Risk Management in Vietnam ............................................................................ 8
3.Organizational structure for Disaster Management of Vietnam ........................................................................... 9
4. History of Natural Disasters ................................................................................................................................ 11
5. Disaster mapping and zoning.............................................................................................................................. 17
III. OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES................................................................................................................. 18
1. OPPORTUNITIES ................................................................................................................................................. 18
DRM draws attention of the Communist Party and Governments from the central to the local levels. ........... 18
DRM is integrated into the socio-economic development plans at all sectors and levels ................................. 18
Individuals and organizations actively participate in DRM activities .................................................................. 19
Capacity building for DRM staff .......................................................................................................................... 19
Communication and information sharing ........................................................................................................... 20
Promoting science and technology in DRM ........................................................................................................ 22
Promoting international cooperation on disaster risk management ................................................................. 24
Successfully organize the 11th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management and related meetings .. 25
2. CHALLENGES ....................................................................................................................................................... 26
Rearrange the organizational structure of VDDMA ............................................................................................ 26
Awareness on disaster risk reduction ................................................................................................................. 26
DRM related laws, regulations, policies and cost norms .................................................................................... 27
Inconsistence on the organizational structure, roles, functions and tasks of DRM agencies at all levels .......... 28
Disaster risk management infrastructure ........................................................................................................... 29
Disaster risk management planning ................................................................................................................... 29
Community awareness raising ............................................................................................................................ 30
Information and communication ........................................................................................................................ 30
Science and technology ...................................................................................................................................... 30
International cooperation .................................................................................................................................. 31
Financial resources ............................................................................................................................................. 31
IV. KEY TASKS ON DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT IN VIETNAM ........................................................................... 32
Implement the direction of the Party, Government on DMR in consistent, effective and efficient manners. .. 32
Consolidate the legal system and policies on disaster risk management .......................................................... 32
Enhance the capacity of natural disaster forecasting, warning, and monitoring in a timely and reliable manner............................................................................................................................................................................ 32
Mobilize resources and efficiently use for DRM ................................................................................................. 33
Enhance the state management role and capacity on DRM .............................................................................. 33
Promote science and technology and international cooperation on disaster risk management ....................... 342

List of Figures
Figure 1: Death and missing due to disaster ................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 2: Disaster related damage costs ....................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 3 : Systems of DRM in Viet Nam ........................................................................................................................ 9
Figure 4: Water from Huong River along with local heavy rains flooded the Hue citadel ......................................... 12
Figure 5: Dong Giang District, Quang Nam province severely flooded in October 2021............................................ 13
Figure 6: Tracks of Con Son Typhoon. ........................................................................................................................ 13
Figure 7: Timeline of key events from 11 October to 31 November 2020 ................................................................. 14
Figure 8 : Flooding in Tuyen Hoa & Le Thuy districts, Quang Binh province .............................................................. 14
Figure 9 : Searching for missing people in Tra Leng and landslides at National Defense Economic Mission 337 ...... 15
Figure 10: Droughts in the Mekong Delta .................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 11: Damrey Typhoon Track .............................................................................................................................. 16
Figure 12: Damages caused by Damrey Typhoon in Khanh Hoa Province ................................................................. 16
Figure 13: Disaster zones of Vietnam ......................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 14: Flood disaster map in the period of 2016 to 2035 .................................................................................... 19
Figure 15 : Landslide disaster map under climate change scenario 2050 .................................................................. 19
Figure 16 : The 2023 National Conference chaired by Deputy Prime Minister .......................................................... 18
Figure 17: 14th ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT) Induction Course in Da Nang city in
February 2023............................................................................................................................................................. 20
Figure 18: Localisation of ASEAN-ERAT training of trainer in December 2023 ........................................................... 20
Figure 19: Official account of the NSCNDPC on Zalo application ............................................................................... 21
Figure 20: The painting contest “In celebration of Viet Nam’s chairmanship of ASEAN Committee on Disaster
Management in 2023” ................................................................................................................................................ 21
Figure 21: Winners of The “English Speaking Contest on disaster risk reduction and climate actions” at the 11th
AMMDM ..................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 22: The flashmob dance competition "Flying Kites" ........................................................................................ 22
Figure 23: VNDMS disaster monitoring system and inter-reservoir management software for Red River basin ...... 23
Figure 24: Cai Lon – Cai Be irrigation system (phase 1) .............................................................................................. 23
Figure 25: Disaster affected area received support from donnors ............................................................................ 24
Figure 26: 2023 Year end meeting of DRRP sharing experiences and best practices in DRR projects – New DRRP Cochair Ms. Pauline Tamesis - UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam welcomed ActionAid as 27th member of DRRP . 25
Figure 27: Ministers and deputy ministers at 11th AMMDM ..................................................................................... 25
Figure 28: Side meetings and events of the 11th AMMDM ....................................................................................... 26

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Abbreviation
ADDMERASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management andEmergency Response

APEC

Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation

CCA

Climate change adaptation

CBDRM

Community-based disaster risk management

CPMU

Central Project Management Unit

DRM

Disaster risk management

DRR

Disaster risk reduction

DRRP

Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership

LNDPC

Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control

MARD

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

MPI

Ministry of Planning and Investment

MTR

Mid-term Review

NDPC

Natural Disaster Prevention and Control

NGO

Non-governmental organization

NSCDPC

National Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention andControl

SEDP

Socio-economic Development Plan

UNDP

United Nations Development Programme

VNDMA

Viet Nam Disaster Management Authority

VNDMS

Viet Nam Disaster Monitoring System

WCDRR

UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

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I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Vietnam is located in Southeastern Asia, bordered with China, Lao PDR and
Cambodia. Vietnam comprises a total land area of 330,210 km2 including 310,070 km2 ofland and 21,140 km2 of water. The terrain is mountainous with coastal lowlands andforested inland regions. The geography of the land can be divided into three major areas:
The Red River delta to the north, which is bordered by mountains on three sides; a large
plateau with a narrow coastal plain in the middle of the country; and the Mekong Delta
plain to the south.
Vietnam has both a tropical climate zone and a temperate climate zone, with all of
the country experiencing the effects of the annual monsoon. Rainy seasons correspondto monsoon circulations, which bring heavy rainfall in the north and south from May to
October, and in the central regions from September to January.
Vietnam’s population is estimated to be 99.4 million people (as of January 2023).
One-third of the country’s total population lives in urban centers. The remaining two-thirds
live in coastal areas and low-lying deltas. The largest urban centers are in the major cities
of Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi. Vietnam recognizes 54 ethnic groups. The largest ofthem and their percent of the population are: Kinh (Viet) 85.3%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.9%,
Muong 1.5%, Khmer 1.4%.
II. DISASTERS IN VIETNAM
1. Background
Vietnam is one of the most hazard-prone countries in the Asia-Pacific Region. With
the coastline of 3,300 km, the country is exposed to hydro-meteorological hazards suchas storms, flood, landslide, drought, salt-water intrusion and coastal erosion. Vietnam
also faces low to moderate risks of earthquake, cold and heat waves.
In addition, Vietnam is ranked among the five countries likely to be most affectedby climate change. The majority of the country is low-lying coastline and low-lying deltaregion are highly vulnerable to rising sea levels. The statistics show that disasters tend
to increase abnormally, with higher intensity, wider scope, irregular and tend to increasein both danger levels, extremes and repeat cycles.
Over the past 20 years, disasters caused 500 dead and missing persons per year,
and an economic loss to the GDP is about 1÷1.5%. The figures below showed thedamages and losses of disaster for the period 1990 – 2020.

5

3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
,500
,0

No. of dead and missing

3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
,500
,0

Economic losses (million USD)

According to the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control 2020 1, Vietnam
experienced 22++ types of disaster including tropical storm, tropical depression, strong
wind at sea, cyclone, lightning, heavy rain, flood, flashflood, inundation; landslide andland subsidence; water level rise, saltwater intrusion, heat wave, drought, wildfire, cold
wave, hail, frost, fog, earthquake, tsunami and other types of disaster. Among them, flood,storm, flashflood, landslides and droughts are the recurring natural disaster and claimed
for the most damages. The following figures have summarized the damages and losses
in terms of human lives and property due to disaster.

1 As known as the Disaster Risk Management Law (DRM Law)

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Figure 1: Death and missing due todisasterFigure 2: Disaster related damage costs

2. Institutional Arrangements for disaster risk management in Vietnam
2.1 The Global Legal Basis for Disaster Risk Management
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030
The third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) took placefrom March 14 to 18, 2015 in Sendai, Japan. The outcome of the WCDRR was the
adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which
comprises of 7 global targets and 4 priorities for action. The Sendai Framework aims toachieve the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods andhealth and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets ofpersons, businesses, communities and countries over the next 15 years.
In September 2022, Vietnam conducted the voluntary mid-term review (MTR)
supported by development partners involved in realizing the Goals and Principles of theDecision on approving the National Strategy on Disaster Risk Management to 2030. The
overall purpose of the MTR is not only to ensure accountability for Viet Nam’s global
commitment to the Sendai Framework, but also to derive lessons learned and innovative
practices with respect to Viet Nam’s approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR) while
identifying key areas for improvement. It thus serves the purpose of informing decisionmaking regarding future collaboration on DRR in the country to 2030 and beyond
The ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response
The ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response(AADMER) aims to strengthen regional policies on disaster management, enabling
member countries in the region to be more active in cooperation, coordination, technicalassistance, and resource mobilization in all aspects of disaster management. The overall
goal of the AADMER Work Programme is to achieve a substantial reduction of disasterlosses in lives and in the social, economic, and environmental assets of ASEAN member
states. The AADMER Work Programme primarily adheres to a strategic regional
approach to all aspects of disaster management
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APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group
Recognizing that disasters are factors which adversely affect the sustainableeconomic development of the region, APEC has decided to elevate the Task Force for
Emergency Preparedness to the Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG). Viet
Nam has actively participated in the working group to draft its strategic framework andactions and has contributed to the establishment of a list of priority projects. Viet Nam
has implemented two projects related to the EPWG’s activities: (i) the APEC CapacityBuilding Workshop on Search and Rescue at Sea in Nha Trang (2013) and (ii) the APEC
Workshop on Community-Based Disaster Management in Response to Climate Change
in Quang Ninh (2014). Viet Nam continued to actively contribute to the activities of thegroup in the years
2.2 The Legal Basis for Disaster Risk Management in Vietnam● The Law on Disaster Prevention and Control, adopted by the National
Assembly of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (Law No. 33/2013/QH13 on 19/06/2016) andthe Amendment of Law on Natural Disaster and Control and Law on Dyke Management(Law N0/60/2020/QH14 on 17/06/2020).
Other documents guiding the implementation of the Law include:● Decree No. 66/2021/ND-CP dated 06/07/2021 of the Government on theguidelines of the law on disaster prevention and control.
● Decree No. 79/2021/ND-CP dated 01/08/2021 of the Government on theestablishment of the Disaster Risk Management Fund.
● Resolution No. 76/NQ-CP dated 18/06/2018 of the Government on disasterprevention and control.
● Decision No. 553/QD-TTg, dated 06/04/2021 of the Prime Minister onapproving the national program on community awareness raising and community-based
disaster risk management.
● Decision No. 18/2021/QD-TTg, dated 22/04/2021 of the Prime Minister on
detailed regulations on the disaster forecast, warning and information transmission andrisk levels.
● Joint Circular No. 43/2015/TTLT BNNPTNT-BKHDT, dated 23/11/2015 of the
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Planning andInvestment on providing guidance on the statistical analysis, the collection of statistics
and assessment of damage caused by disasters.
● Circular No. 10/2021/TT-BKHDT, dated 22/12/2021 of the Ministry of Planningand Investment on guiding the integration of disaster prevention and control content into
the socio-economic development plans and sectoral plan and development plans.

83.Organizational structure for Disaster Management of Vietnam
The system of disaster risk management in Viet Nam is shown in the figure below:

Figure 3 : Systems of DRM in Viet Nam

The National Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control, formally theCentral Steering Committee for NDPC is the top body for the Vietnamese Government
disaster management policy development and decision-making. Members of the National
Committee for NDCP:a) Chairman: The Prime Minister/Deputy Prime Ministerb) Vice Chairman, including: the MARD Minister (Permanent Vice Chairman), 01
leader of the Ministry of National Defense (Nominated by the Prime Minister – Vice
Chairman), and the Director General of Vietnam Disaster Management Authority(Nominated by the Prime Minister – Vice Chairman).
c) Members of the National Steering Committee are representatives that areleaders of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and Government agencies: MARD,
MONRE, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Information andCommunication, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Transport, Ministry ofConstruction, Ministry of Education and Training, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Culture,
Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social
Affairs, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Finance, Viet Nam Television,
Voice of Viet Nam; representatives of some units of MARD, Ministry of Natural Resources9and Environment, Ministry of Defense, National Committee for Search and Rescue, andthe Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology.
d) Based on work requirements, the Head of the National Steering Committee for
NDPC invites representatives from the following organizations: The Central Committeeof the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, Viet Nam Women's Union, Ho Chi Minh Communist
Youth Union, Viet Nam Red Cross, and other relevant organizations to participate in theCentral Steering Committee on disaster prevention and control.
MARD is the permanent agency of the National Steering Committee on Disaster
Prevention and Control, performing the tasks of state management on NDPC. The
ministry uses the apparatus and staff of the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management
Authority (VDDMA) to serve as the Standing Office of the Steering Committee.
The mandate of the NSCNDPC is wide-ranging from policy and planning todirecting disaster response, and includes the following responsibilities:
 Provide guidance for the formulation and implementation of national strategies
and plans, and policies and laws on natural disaster management; Preside over the preparation of disaster response plans; Direct and coordinate disaster response and recovery nationwide: direct
response to “Level 3” disasters; Provide advice on directing response to “Level 4” and “Level 5” natural
disasters; Coordinate and assist or direct local authorities to respond to “Level 1” and“Level 2” natural disasters if such disasters have unanticipated developments which may
result in serious consequences; Depending on the natural disaster developments and actual situation, decide
to take urgent measures and mobilize resources of ministries, ministerial agencies,
governmental agencies, organizations and individuals to respond to and remedy theconsequences of natural disasters in accordance with regulations of LNDPC;
 Direct the production of statistics on damage and local authorities andministries’ demands for emergency assistance, recovery and reconstruction;
 Consolidate and consider proposing to the Government and Prime Minister for
their decision on measures, use of central government budget and other legal resources
for emergency response and disaster recovery nationwide; Inspect, expedite and provide guidelines for natural disaster management by
ministries and local authorities as prescribed by law; Direct, organize drills and provide training for forces involved in natural disastermanagement; direct, implement and organize the implementation of measures togradually increase civil capacity for natural disaster response; Direct and organize the provision of infrastructure, equipment, materials andspecial-purpose vehicles; establish database to serve issuance of decisions on commandover disaster management at all levels;

10 Call for, receive and provide domestic and foreign assistance in case ofdisaster-related emergency due to natural disasters; Provide guidelines, inspect, expedite and consolidate results of provision ofassistance resources and report same to the Prime Minister; Direct and prepare documents, provide training, disseminate and communicate
information via social networks and raise community awareness of natural disastermanagement on an annual basis; Provide guidance on activities of internal voluntary forces in charge of natural
disaster management; Advise the Prime Minister on establishing a Front Line Steering Committee
responsible for provide directions in the areas affected by disasters in special situations; Preside over developing and publishing a white paper on disaster management
on an annual basis; Provide directions and formulate an operating plan and plan for provision offunding for performance of tasks on an annual basis.
4. History of Natural Disasters
Summary of disaster in 2022:
According to the statistics of the Standing Office of the National Steering
Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, there have been 1,145 natural
disaster events (21 out of 22 types of disaster- according to the Law on Natural Disaster
Prevention and Control 2020), especially heavy rains causing landslides, flash floods,
floods, and widespread inundation. Since the beginning of 2022, natural disasters left 169
people dead or missing (3% decrease from 2022). Economic losses are estimated atabout VND 8.236 billion (equivalent to USD335,341 - 42% from 2022).
2023 is an unusual year when the number of storms and tropical depression ismuch less than the average for many years and no storms make landfall in Viet Nam.
History of natural disaster in Vietnam:
The following is a list of major disaster occurred in Vietnam in the last ten years
and its damages and losses.
2023- Some typical natural disasters include:- Heavy rain from August 1-8 in the Northern mountainous region left 17 people
dead or missing; Economic losses are estimated at VND 1.378 billion (equivalent to
USD56,107); Heavy rain and flash floods in Sa Pa and Bat Sat, Lao Cai province on
September 12 left 9 people dead and missing;- Landslides at many points in the Central Highlands, the most serious of whichwere at Bao Loc pass and Da Lat city, Lam Dong province, killing 6 people;- The heavy rain from September 25 to 28 in 06 Central provinces and 13 Northern
provinces due to the influence of tropical depression, causing severe flooding in low-lying
areas (at the maximum time, 2,238 houses were flooded). Floods and landslides left 11
people dead and missing.
11

- From mid-October to mid-November, the Central region experienced 3 periodsof heavy rain, floods, and widespread inundation, leaving 14 people dead and missing.
The period from November 13-17, in Thua Thien Hue, rain exceeded 800mm/24 hours,
causing widespread flooding downstream of the Huong and Bo rivers.

Figure 4: Water from Huong River along with local heavy rains flooded the Hue citadel- Thunderstorms and strong winds at sea on October 17 caused 2 ships in Quang
Nam province to sink, causing 15 people dead and missing.
April-June 2022 – Heavy rains causing landslides, flashfloods, urban
inundations in the North of Vietnam
Long-lasting heavy rains have caused devastating landslides, flashfloods andurban inundation in the North of Vietnam. At this time, the major reservoirs had todischarge flood water for quite a long time – which is rarely happened since the structures
put into operation.
October 2021 – Floods and Tropical Depression
Floods and landslides caused by heavy rain affected northern and central
Vietnam, resulting in casualties. In Quang Binh province, up to 1,903 residents acrossseven towns and districts were evacuated, and more than 1,300 houses were damaged.
In Quang Ngai and Quang Nam at least one person died, 7,000 people were evacuated,and more than 16,400 houses were flooded. Floods and landslides blocked many of themain roads across central and north Vietnam, and power outages were reported in Thua
Thien-Hue Province.

12Figure 5: Dong Giang District, Quang Nam province severely flooded in October 2021

September 2021 – Typhoon Conson
Typhoon Conson triggered flash
floods in central Vietnam, which resulted
in two fatalities, hundreds of houses
damaged, and over 1,000 hectares ofrice field destroyed. The most affected
provinces were Quang Ngai, Quang Tri,Kon Tum, and Gia Lai. Rough seascaused problems for ships and 18
people were rescued from two ships thatran aground.

Figure 6: Tracks of Con Son Typhoon.

October to November 2020 – Central Vietnam Floods
In October and November 2020, Vietnam experienced the worst flooding in thepast decade with the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone combined with six consecutive
tropical depressions, storms, and tropical typhoons that resulted in widespread flooding
in most of central Vietnam, killing 291 people with an additional 66 persons reported
missing, and severely affecting 1.5 million people. The disaster destroyed over 500,000
houses, 144,000 ha of rice paddies, 787 km of dykes and canals, and eroded anddamaged 272 km of coastline, resulting in economic damage worth US$1,443,850. The
VNDMA reported that many areas in central Viet Nam recorded a total rainfall of morethan 2,400 mm, and in some locations, floodwaters exceeded the previous historical highrecorded in 1979 and 1999.

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Figure 7: Timeline of key events from 11 October to 31 November 2020
Source: UNOCHA and VNDMA

Typhoon Molave, which made landfall on 28 October 2020 with winds up to145km/h, was one of the most devastating typhoons in the country for decades. The
Vietnamese Government declared a state of emergency in seven of the 14 affected
central provinces.

Figure 8 : Flooding in Tuyen Hoa & Le Thuy districts, Quang Binh province

August 2020 – Floods and Landslides
Heavy rains, floods, flash floods, and landslides impacted 13 provinces and cities
in northern Vietnam, resulting in seven deaths, 1 missing, over 1,000 damaged houses,
and over 2,000 hectares of rice and crop destroyed.

14

Figure 9 : Searching for missing people in Tra Leng and landslides at National Defense
Economic Mission 337

February-April 2020 – Severe Drought and Saltwater Intrusion
During this period, 10 of the 13 provincesin the Mekong River Delta area wereaffected by drought and saltwater
intrusion, resulting in water shortages,
significant damage to crops, and limitedaccess to water for over 200,000
households. More than 685,000 people
had access to livelihoods and basic
services disrupted, with an estimatedloss of production from 460,000 ha of rice
paddy.

Figure 10: Droughts in the Mekong Delta

October 2019 – Typhoon Matmo, Floods, and Landslides
Typhoon Matmo passed over central Vietnam on 30 October, destroying 179
houses and damaging 2,314 others in the provinces of Quang Ngai. Binh Dinh, Phu Yen,Gia Lai, and Thua Thien Hue. As a result, one person was reported missing and 14 more
people were injured. In the same month, heavy rain caused flooding in other parts ofcentral Vietnam including Nghe An, Binh Dinh, and Ha Tinh, where three fatalities and15damaging to over 5,000 houses was reported. The heavy rain also triggered landslides,
which blocked major roads in several areas.
September 2019 – Tropical Cyclone Podul
Tropical Cyclone Podul made landfall over Quang Binh Province in central
Vietnam on 29 August with maximum sustained winds of 55-65 km/h (XX mph). Six
people died as a result of wind-induced damage and flooding.
August 2019 – Floods
Following torrential rains, in August 2019, several provinces in the central
highlands and southern region were flooded. The worst affected provinces were Kien
Giang, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, and Dak Nong. Other provinces affected include Gia Lai,
Kon Tum, Dong Nai, Binh Thuan, and Binh Phuoc. The disaster resulted in 11 deaths
and one missing person, five injuries, and over 1,985 people evacuated. In total, 12,307
houses were flooded.
November 2017 - Typhoon Damrey
The aftermath of Typhoon
Damrey affected 4.3 million people in
9 provinces and left 107 people dead.
The typhoon destroyed approximately
3,400
housesanddamagedapproximately 141,100 houses. The
typhoon also submerged 5,296 ha of
paddy fields and nearly 15,000 ha ofvegetables and fruit fields.
Figure 11: Damrey Typhoon Track

Figure 12: Damages caused by Damrey Typhoon in Khanh Hoa Province

16June - August 2017 - Floods
Heavy rain triggered flash floods and landslides in four northwestern provinces,which left 27 dead, 14 people missing, and 231 houses washed away or collapsed. In
addition, landslides damaged 425 houses and about 340 ha of agricultural land.
2015-2017 - Drought
The worst drought Vietnam had seen in 90 years started in 2015 and lasted until
2017. The drought was attributed to the El Niño weather event, with 52 out of 63 provinces
affected. In addition, the drought was aggravated by saltwater intrusion that extended up
to 90 km inland in some coastal areas, leaving river water too salty for human or animal
consumption, or to irrigate crops and continue fish-farming production. In total, 2 million
people including 520,000 children and 1 million women, were in need of humanitarianassistance.
August 2016 - Floods and Landslides
Tropical Storm Dianmu triggered floods and landslides in Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Lai
Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa provinces. At least nine people werereported to have died, and 1,341 houses were inundated in the first month. By December
2016, it was reported that 134 people had died, 151 people were injured, 233,271 houses
flooded, and 4,093 houses were damaged or collapsed.
November 2013 - Floods
A tropical depression hit the south-central provinces of Vietnam, which felt heavy
rains and strong winds. As a consequence of the heavy rain, extensive flooding affected
the central provinces of Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Da Nang, Phu Yen, and Binh Dinh.
5. Disaster mapping and zoning
Viet Nam developed disaster maps early on – an area of disaster risk assessmentthat Viet Nam places a great importance on. Disaster zoning was used in the Disaster
Prevention and Control Strategy.

17

Figure 13: Disaster zones of Vietnam

Disaster zoning helps Viet Nam to identify priority groups of measures for eachregion. In the context of resource and capacity constraints, prioritize measures help Viet
Nam address the most urgent and pressing problems when disasters occur.
However, the lack of analytical assessments of vulnerability and exposure has
resulted in not producing optimal solutions to disaster prevention and control forvulnerable groups in communities, and lack of the most practical solutions to theirproblems. At the same time, disaster zoning puts forward disaster prevention and control
measures with the focus on only hard technology measures, without taking into accountendogenous options – such as promoting people’s capacities and awareness on disasterprevention and control and risk reduction, which renders some investment solutions to
disaster prevention and control quite expensive.
Currently, the Government of Viet Nam is gradually mapping disaster events
nationwide in more detail for each type of disaster such as flash floods, landslides, floods,
typhoons, super storms, etc.
Developing these maps requires significant financial and technical resources aswell as a reasonably competent organizational apparatus for managing, constantly
updating, analyzing and sharing mapping results with agencies and localities. Most of thecurrent disaster maps are geographically dispersed and not nationwide.

18

Figure 14: Flood disaster map in the period of 2016 to 2035

Source: IMHEN, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment – 2016

Figure 15 : Landslide disaster map under climate change scenario 2050

Source: Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environment – 201619

III. OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
1. OPPORTUNITIESDRM draws attention of the Communist Party and Governments from thecentral to the local levels.
During the 2020 - 2023, several under law documents have been issued for the
purpose of strengthening the disaster risk management from Central to local levels.
For the first time, the Politburo issued the Directive on strengthening the Party's
leadership in disaster preparedness, response and recovery (Directive 42-CT/TW dated
March 24/2020). The Conference to review the DRM operations chaired by the Prime
Minister, Deputy Prime Minister - Head of the National Committee was successfullyorganized in the years of 2021 and 2023.

Figure 16 : The 2023 National Conference chaired by Deputy Prime Minister

DRM is integrated into the socio-economic development plans at all sectors
and levels
As the increasing impact of climate change, the Government accelerate theintegration of disaster and climate risks into socio-economic development planning
processes at all levels. On late 2021, the Ministry of Planning and Investment has issued
the Circular on the integration of DRM into the social economic development plans at all
sectors and levels.

Individuals and organizations actively participate in DRM activities
The period 2022-2023 has witnessed the proactive participation of organizations
and individuals in disaster risk management process. Follow the theme of National
Disaster Prevention Week 2023 - “From response to early action”, NGOs co-operatingwith central and localities have deployed many workshops, Simulation exercise of
Anticipatory action in order to actively response to disaster, build capacity and strengthen
the initiative of central local authorities.
For example, within the framework of the project “Increasing Capacities and Scale
for Anticipatory Action including through Social Protection Systems” funded by theEuropean Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), VDDMA and FAO
collaborated to conduct a simulation exercise for typhoons and floods in Quang Nam
province in June 2023. The drill consisted of two phases: operating the commune-levelmechanism and implementing three anticipatory actions, including cash support, watertank support, and house bracing material materials support.
Capacity building for DRM staff
The capacity building for staff on the reservoir operation, disaster responsemanagement, database management ... has been carried out regularly to improve theprofessionalism and efficiency in the on-duty responses to emergency situations.
National Program 553 (previously is the Program 1002) on community
awareness raising and community-based disaster risk management are continuously
implemented. For example, in 2023, VDDMA organized 40 training and professional
development classes for DRM and specialized dyke management officials and local
officials with a total of 1,840 people.
In February 2023, VDDMA collaborated with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for
Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) to organize the 14th
ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT) Induction Course in Da
Nang city. Along with participants from ASEAN National Disaster Management
Organizations (NDMOs) and the ASEAN Secretariat, VDDMA’s DRM staffs were trained in
DRM to strengthen the readiness and capacity of ASEAN countries, ensuring a rapid,
synchronized, and concerted response in the region, promoting the synergy of the regionin supporting ASEAN Member States affected by natural disasters.
In December 2023, VDDMA collaborated with AHA Centre to organize the TOT
training course to build a source of trainers for Vietnam on ASEAN-ERAT. This group of
trainers will then be lecturers for training courses on localisation ASEAN - ERAT for officials
working on DRM at the provincial level in Vietnam, to strengthen response capacity andsupport humanitarian assistance in emergency situations.

19

Figure 17: 14th ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT) Induction
Course in Da Nang city in February 2023

Figure 18: Localisation of ASEAN-ERAT training of trainer in December 2023

Communication and information sharing
Information, communication and networking have been the backbone ofsuccessful disaster response and preparation. Disseminating information not only tothose in-country and threatened by disaster, but also to those responding to theemergency has been crucial to timely, efficient, and effective disaster response. Recent
technology has advanced to facilitate the predicting and alerting of disasters around theworld which has resulted in early warning and evacuation measures as well as
opportunities to react and prepare for incoming threats to countries.
20

- In 2023, there were 40,207 news articles about natural disaster prevention
propagated to the community by press agencies.
- Communication products and warnings for DRR on websites (in English andVietnamese) and social networks: Facebook, Zalo (communication application), Tiktok,
were maintained. More than 38 million Zalo disaster warning messages were sent to thecommunity in the affected areas.

Figure 19: Official account of the NSCNDPC on Zalo application- In 2023, to improve children's knowledge and skills on disaster prevention andcontrol and climate change, the media campaign "For a safe, clean and green ASEAN
for every child” rolled out by VDDMA, in collaboration with UNICEF Viet Nam, and theGovernment of Japan has brought some significant achievements.

Figure 20: The painting contest “In celebration of Viet Nam’s chairmanship of ASEAN
Committee on Disaster Management in 2023”

The painting contest “In celebration of Viet Nam’s chairmanship of
ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management in 2023” resulted in nearly 350 paintings21

from 10 secondary schools in Hoi An City, Quang Nam province. Each painting presented
positive messages about ASEAN community solidarity and cooperation in disaster risk
reduction.

Figure 21: Winners of The “English Speaking Contest on disaster risk reduction andclimate actions” at the 11th AMMDM

The “English Speaking Contest on disaster risk reduction and climate
actions” where middle and high school students from all over the country gather toexpress their views on natural disasters, climate change and the environment. The
competition ignited these young people's desire for change, empowering them to solve
urgent problems of natural disasters and climate change in local communities. The
contest attracted many young people with more than 3,000 creative and informative
entries nationwide. The first prize winners, representing the young generation of Vietnam,
get to deliver a speech to ASEAN leaders, emphasizing urgent measures to reduce
natural disaster risks and adapt to climate change.

Figure 22: The flashmob dance competition "Flying Kites"

The flashmob dance competition "Flying Kites" raising DRR awareness forchildren attracted 1,796 entries with more than 63,000 children participating from 50/63
provinces and cities. The contest received many entries from deaf students, students inremote areas, and ethnic minorities.
Promoting science and technology in DRM
Science and technology in DRM achieved significant progress. New technology
22was applied for more efficiently response to disaster and support decision making. For
example, the development of integrated database in monitoring situation of 2,700km ofdikes managed by the central government, real-time operation status of 6,995 reservoirs;
location of nearly 26,000 boats, 67 storm shelters; current status of 1,417 erosion points.

Figure 23: VNDMS disaster monitoring system and inter-reservoir management software
for Red River basin

Construction of DRM works using new technologies:
On March 5, 2022, the inauguration ceremony of Cai Lon - Cai Be irrigation systemphase 1 took place. After successfully completing phase 1 testing, a number of localities
in the West Hau River region have proposed that the government continue to implement
phase 2 of the project to prevent saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta.

Figure 24: Cai Lon – Cai Be irrigation system (phase 1)

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Promoting international cooperation on disaster risk management
Promoting international cooperation through several agreements and commitment ofVietnam such as Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction to 2030, ADDMER, APEC,
international platform, Mekong River Commission...; in close coordination with bi-lateral andmultilateral financial institutions, organizations and United Nations agencies.
VDDMA, on behalf of the National Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention andControl, had coordinated with Acecook Joint Stock Company to accompany and promptly
support 4,000 boxes of instant noodles to people in areas damaged by floods in Da Nang
(October 12-15, 2023) and Thua Thien Hue (October 13, 2023) November 16, 2023), andcoordinated with UNICEF to distribute 340 water purifiers to schools, clinics, etc. which areevacuation locations in areas frequently affected by natural disasters in Thua Thien Hue
province.

Figure 25: Disaster affected area received support from donnors

In 2019, the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership (DRRP) was established with themembership of 22 international organizations and 4 ministries. The Partnership has playeda leading role in information sharing, calling for the support of partner members in responding
and overcoming special disaster consequences during major natural disasters such as: the2019-2020 drought and saltwater intrusion (total funding of more than $1 million USD in relief
to the people in the Mekong Delta) and 2020 historical flooding in the Central region (total
funding of USD 25 million). As of 2023, the total member of the DRRP is 27 (including 23
international organizations).

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Figure 26: 2023 Year end meeting of DRRP sharing experiences and best practices in DRR
projects/ New DRRP Co-chair Ms. Pauline Tamesis - UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam
welcomed ActionAid as the 27th member of DRRP

Successfully organize the 11th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster
Management and related meetings
The biggest opportunity and challenges in DRM in 2023 of Viet Nam is hosting the
11th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) and related
meetings. As chairman of of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM),
Vietnam has been showing itself to be an active and highly reputable member of ASEAN,
in which ASEAN cooperation on Natural Disaster Management is an important content of
ASEAN cooperation in the Socio-Cultural Community pillar.

Figure 27: Ministers and deputy ministers at the 11th AMMDM

The 11th AMMDM and related meetings was held in Ha Long, Viet Nam from 9-13
October, 2023. The event gathered 8 ministers, 4 deputy ministers, and over 140 otherdelegates who are leaders and officials of disaster prevention and control agencies of 10
ASEAN member countries, the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for
Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), development partnersof ASEAN (Japan, China and ROK), and many international organizations in the region.
Timor-Leste attended the Meeting as an observer.
The 11th AMMDM adopted the Ha Long Ministerial Statement on The
Strengthening of ASEAN Anticipatory Actions in Disaster Management, underscoredthe commitment of ASEAN ministers to enhance the implementation of early action25

in disaster management within ASEAN, with a special focus on the three main pillars: risk
information, forecasting, and early warning systems; planning, operation, andimplementation; and the promotion of pre-allocated financial resources.

Figure 28: Side meetings and events of the 11th AMMDM

Hosting a major forum on natural disaster management in the ASEAN region isVietnam's obligation, but also an opportunity for us to proactively lead, contribute toimproving efficiency, position and demonstrate our role. of Vietnam in ASEAN
cooperation on natural disaster management in particular and in building the ASEAN
Community and relations between ASEAN and its partners in general.
2. CHALLENGES
Rearrange the organizational structure of VDDMA
In early 2023, the Viet Nam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA)
had reorganized the organizational structure according to Decision No. 479/QD-BNNTCCB dated February 9, 2023 on the basis of rearranging and consolidating the Viet Nam
Disaster Management Authority (VNDMA) with new functions and tasks. VDDMA has
implemented processes and procedures for procedures for appointing Department
leaders and leaders of units according to regulations.
Awareness on disaster risk reduction
Awareness of local authorities and communities on DRR is still limited. Thus theinvestment on the consolidation and strengthening of administration apparatus,
mechanisms and policies or in the integration of DRM and CCA contents into socioeconomic development activities (SEDP) are not adequate.
Some localities are not fully aware of deforestation of mangroves or the overdevelopment of upstream reservoirs, groundwater over-exploitation, water depletion etc.
which have resulted in increasing floods, droughts, saltwater intrusions, landslides,
erosions, and land subsidence.

26

Organizations and experts involving in DRM do not have full knowledge andunderstanding of underlying causes of some types of natural disasters under climatechange impacts, or impacts of socio-economic activities in both upstream anddownstream areas. Long-term, substantial and sustainable solutions to such problems
have not been worked out.
People are also not fully aware of disaster risks, especially their production
practices have led to increased risks and disaster losses. Majority of people do not realize
the importance of investments in and contributions to DRM to protect their own lives andlivelihoods.
DRM related laws, regulations, policies and cost norms- The Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control has been developed andpromulgated. However, there are still many shortcomings and limitations in terms ofcontents, subject of application and scope of application, including: disaster zoning is only
applied for earthquakes, tsunamis and storms and tropical depressions; the classificationof disaster risk levels is not applied for riverbank and coastal erosion; some disaster risk
levels of floods, inundation, storms, droughts and saltwater intrusion are not well definedand relevant in accordance with Government’s directions;
Disaster risk assessment has not been implemented; sanctions to administration
violations to DRM and dyke management legal regulations have not fully handled;disaster recovery regulations have not been adequate;
The enforcement of DRM laws and regulations has many gaps and shortcomings
etc. The integration of DRM issues into development plans and planning of local
authorities and sectors are not effectively conducted; among challenges and limitations
are the collection and spending of DRM Funds, management of ships and boats before
sailing offshore, or some inter-reservoir operation procedures are not promptly reviewed
and revised.
- Relevant mechanism and policies are not synchronized or necessary ones are
not timely issues; especially those relate to financial management or integrate of DRM
issues into SEDPs or sector development plans, the participation of community in DRM
etc.
DRM plans and activities are mainly developed by state agencies. The
construction, maintenance, operation and management of DRM works are not
crowdfunded.
Although disasters are becoming more complicated and fierce, together with rapidsocio-economic growth, necessary DRM mechanisms and policies have not been issued
or amended to adapt to the situation, including risk finance, disaster insurance, disaster
relief, or incentives to investments and construction of DRM works.

27

DRM Plans exposes many inappropriate contents, including both planning andimplementation phases. Integration approach is not effectively adopted, e.g. integrated
flood management or integrate river basin management and multi-purposed works are
not well exploited and operated, especially the combination of irrigation and transport
works.
Necessary projects, programs and researches are not promptly launched to meetpractical needs; human and physical resources are inadequate to input the development
and implementation of disaster management solutions, including DRM capacity building
at national level.
DRM related specifications and technical norms are not timely and appropriately
adapted to the current situation, especially in the context of climate change impacts. The
applicability and scope of application of these national technical norms and specifications
are limited, especially those relate to social resilience in disasters. The management,
updating and sharing of disaster database are not well operated and managed, such as
information and data relating to hydrology, marine, sediment, channel developments,
coastal stabilization etc. Moreover, socio-economic databases are insufficient and are notdisaggregated by gender, age and disability for decision making support.
- Sanctions to DRM violations are insufficient and not strong enough, especially toviolations to disaster safety control of infrastructure, urban areas, residential areas, roads
etc. Mineral exploitation, especially the exploitation of sand and gravel, the encroachment
on river beds and floodplains etc. still have many shortcomings and are not well managed.
- The procedures for receiving disaster reliefs and aids to recover disasters inemergency situations remain complicated and do not ensure timely delivery and thus
reduce the efficiency of such disaster reliefs. It is especially true in the case of recovery
supports from the national state contingent budget and reserves. Some localities arefound slow and inefficient in disbursing state funding to recover disaster damages andlosses.
Crowdfunding policies and mechanisms for DRM are not popular and not yet
attract the active participation of private sector in the sector. Disaster risk insurance policy
has not been widely applied so that disaster affected people can be compensated fordisaster damages and losses.
Inconsistence on the organizational structure, roles, functions and tasks of
DRM agencies at all levels
Professional capacity of DRM staff is limited, especially at district and commune
levels. DRM human resource at all level lack supporting tools to ensure the execution of
their tasks and duties, especially field activities or in dangerous situations endangering
lives and properties; disaster management staff at grass root level is not well trained or
not well staffed.
28

Disaster risk management infrastructure- Hydro-meteorological monitoring and forecasting stations are significantly
inadequate with outdated and obsolete measurement equipment. As a result, theforecasting is not sufficient and efficient, failing to meet requirements, especially forecastsof rainfall, localized floods or onshore storms etc. which are not prompt and correct.
- DRM works (reservoirs, dams, embankments, culverts, drought and flood
protection works, anchorage areas etc.) are not complete or synchronous. Many works
have been degraded and damaged, yet not yet repaired, and failed to protect people andproperties in disasters.
- The 1,500 km of river dyke has not been upgraded. 230 vulnerable and damaged
sections of dykes, embankments and sluices have not been maintained or repaired 2.
- The sea dyke system has been upgraded under the Sea dyke investment
program for provinces from Quang Ninh to Quang Nam and from Quang Ngai to Kien
Giang. So far, as many as 887/2,861km (nearly 30%) of sea dykes have been upgraded
and renovated, however they are only resistant to medium tides or storms grade 9-10;- Reservoir system: among 6,750 irrigation reservoirs, 1,200 reservoirs have been
built long time ago and become deteriorated. Among them, 200 reservoirs in 36
provinces/cities are seriously degraded and present a risk of failure3;- Urban irrigation and drainage systems: Many important flood protection works,
inundation drainage works or drought prevention structures have been either constructedor repaired or upgraded, especially in the Mekong River Delta, South Central Coast andCentral Highlands;- Anchorages for boats and ships in storms: Over 50% of anchoring areas for ships
and boats in storms have not been invested. As a result, up to 83,850 ships and boats
have nowhere to anchor safety in disasters.
- River bank and coastal erosion management: 2,358 points of erosion along a
total length of over 3,133 km have been surveyed and detected. Among them, 206 points
are particularly critical and vulnerable (potential erosions threatening dyke safety,
residential areas and important infrastructure behind these dykes) along a total length of
427km.
Disaster risk management planning- The planning of disaster prone areas is inadequate, including the relocation ofpeople in the reservoir impoundment or people in flashflood and landslide prone areas in
the Northern Mountainous Region.

2 Dyke survey data for flood season 2020
3 Report No. 6261/BNN-TCTL dated 11 September 2020 of MARD
29- The formulation and integration of DRM into SEDPs and other development plans
are limited. The planning and construction of urban areas, concentrated residential areas,
resorts, infrastructure systems, industrial zones, mineral exploitation, construction andupgrading and expansion of roads in mountainous and midland regions and hydropower
reservoirs etc.... do not pay sufficient attention to disaster resilience and safety. As theresult, disaster risks are increased. Such works do not have multiple functions to reduce
costs and increase investment efficiency. There is also under-risk infrastructuredevelopment such as the construction of houses and structures in disaster prone areasor areas having flashflood and landslide risks or fish ponds on hillsides or dykes locatednext to waterline or resorts built close to the sea etc. Urban development andconcentrated residential areas have not reserved water space, yet they increase flooding
risk and expand the inundated areas in some cities.
Community awareness raising
Although the Government Program on community awareness raising andcommunity based disaster risk management (CBDRM) has been launched since 2009,
results are quite modest. In fact, community awareness on disasters and disaster risk,
disaster prevention measures for different types of disasters have been limited, which
resulted in disaster damages and losses due to ignorance or lack of disaster response
skills.
Information and communication
Efforts on DRM information and communication have been made for many years,
yet many shortcomings have been observed. DRM information does not reach local
people, especially ones in remote and mountainous villages. The information is especially
important when a disaster is coming. Forms and contents of communication activities andpropaganda are not diversified without focusing on practical themes guiding theprevention and control of disasters for local people. Communication activities mainly takeplace during or after a disaster or in a workshop, event or anniversary. Disaster impacts
on lives, health, living environments, socio-economic and vice versa impacts of suchhuman made activities on the environment, nature, disaster risk and climate risks.
Science and technology
Scientific and technological researches and applications in DRM are limited,
especially in the management, commanding and operation based on real time. Many R&D
tasks relating to DRM issues are not practical and difficult to be applied.
Many types of natural disasters have been identified and understood and as aresult substantial solutions have not been worked out given the context of climate change
and booming upstream and downstream socio-economic development. The applicationof new technologies is not effective, especially in real-time management and operation,30

online disaster operation, decision supporting, remote sensing and construction of DRM
works.
International cooperation
International cooperation in DRM has significant changed and improved, yet not
up to expectations when many trans-boundary disaster issues have not been addressed,
including drought and saltwater intrusion in the Southeast region, Mekong River Delta,
water uses along the Mekong River, sharing of Red River upstream flood forecast andwarning information. Information sharing for disaster forecast and warning, water
resource management, reservoir operations to control flood, preventing and controlling
drought and saltwater intrusion, preventing riverbank and coastal erosion etc. fortransboundary river (Red River, Mekong River) have not been regularly implemented.
Financial resources
The financial sources for DRM activities have been promoted, yet the investments
have not yet met disaster risk management needs.
- Findings for disaster prevention and recovery efforts are lacking and fail to meet
local needs (to cover the construction of DRM works such as river and sea dikes,
reservoirs, ship anchorages etc.). The current financing only meets as much as 40% of
total needs. Especially, budget contingency for disaster responses and recovery disasters
only meets as much as 20% of the demand). Therefore, disaster management is only
limited to situation responses other than “build back better” as orientated in the Sendai
Framework.
- The establishment and maintenance of DRM Fund are delayed. Nearly 2 years
after the official issuance of the DRM fund regulations, only 39/63 provinces and cities
established their DRM fund. Revenues of the DRM fund and its funded activities arecontroversial in both structure, contributors, payments etc. As a result, the operation ofthese DRM funds are quite inefficient and limited. There is currently no DRM fund at
national level and the fundraising activities and funding coordination between localities
for DRM operations cannot be realized.
- The crowdfunding of DRM operations and participation from private sector in thedevelopment of DRM works are not well encouraged. Such cooperation is only limited tosome forms of private funds to support the disaster relief phase. There are also some
limited investments in very small-scale DRM works.
- Disaster recovery operations are too slow. Main efforts are focused on
immediate solutions to restore people's lives and production rather than substantial andlong-term recovery solutions. Regulations on fundraising, receiving, distributing andusing voluntary supports and aids from organizations and individuals are not welldefined which led to ineffective and inadequate implementation
31

IV. KEY TASKS ON DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT IN VIETNAM
Implement the direction of the Party, Government on DMR in consistent,
effective and efficient manners.
- Integrate the DRM content into the plans of ministries, and localities to implement- Review the implementation of Directive 42-CT/TW dated 24/3/2020 of theCommunist Party Central Secretariat on the prevention, response and recovery ofconsequences of natural disasters. In which, focusing on assessing the Party committees
and organizations at all levels in identification of the prevention, response and recovery
natural disasters is an important, urgent and regular tasks of the whole political systemand social.
- Assess the implementation of the Government's Resolution 76/NQ-CP dated
June 18, 2018 on natural disaster prevention and control, and proposing tasks andsuitable solution adjustments to meet requirement from natural disaster programs andplans in the future.
- Develop a plan to implement the National Strategy on Natural Disaster
Prevention, Response and Control to 2030, with a vision to 2050 and the Government
Program 553 on community awareness raising and community-based disaster risk
management to 2030.
- Develop national, sectoral, provincial, district and communal plans for prone-area
to natural disasters, especially storms, floods, flash floods, landslide, droughts, saltwater
intrusions, river and coastal erosions.
- Strengthen communication combining traditional methods with multimedia todisseminate accurate and timely information on natural disasters in accordance withnatural disaster characteristics of region.
Consolidate the legal system and policies on disaster risk management- Strengthen the disaster risk insurance, forecasting and monitoring services, andnatural disaster risk impacts assessment.
- Allocate dedicated budget line for natural disaster risk management.
- Review mechanisms, policies on natural forest management and protection;
Continue planting and regenerating protective forests and coastal mangrove forests tominimize the impact of changing of the natural equilibrium state of hills, mountains, rivers,
streams and coastal strips.
Enhance the capacity of natural disaster forecasting, warning, andmonitoring in a timely and reliable manner- Prioritize investment in basic research on hydro-meteorological forecasting
systems; standardize and modernize the disaster monitoring systems.
- Review and update climate change scenarios, sea level rise, long-term forecasts
32

on natural disasters and water sources, especially for transboundary rivers.
- Review, adjust and supplement standards and technical regulations of risk levels
in accordance with natural disaster characteristics, contexts of each region and locality.
- Ministries, sectors and localities promote the installation of rain gauge and waterlevel monitoring stations; reservoir monitoring cameras for crucial dyke sections, high-riskareas of landslides; and tracking equipment for vessels/ships.
Mobilize resources and efficiently use for DRM- Mobilize funding and efficiently use according to decentralization and legal
authority. Allocate budget for the medium-term public investment plan for the period 20212025 and annual budget contingencies to proactively prevent, respond and recovery
consequences of natural disasters, especially critical disasters such as strong storms, big
floods, flash floods, landslides, droughts, saltwater intrusion. Combining the effective useof domestic and ODA resources to implement strategies, master plans, plans, masterprograms, projects on natural disaster prevention, response and recovery that have beenor are being approved by competent authorities- Priority allocating budgets to focus on completely handling urgent works torecovery consequences of natural disasters by 2020 for especially in the central
provinces; 230 crucial dyke areas, 200 critical reservoirs, high-risk river and coastal
erosion areas, and high risk of flash floods and landslides areas as well.
- To concentrate investment resources, upgrade material foundations andequipment of advisory agencies to serve the direction and administration of disaster
response at all levels, especially steering agencies at national and regional levels in amodern manner direction on a par with other countries in the region- To continue implementing the support program to poor households to build
resilient houses to prevent floods and storms for 28 coastal provinces; construct resilient
houses in flooding areas, landslide prone-areas such as cultural houses, schools, etc. in
combination with evacuation center; Approval decision of the task of planning the systemof fishing ports, safe harbors for fishing vessels in the period 2021 – 2030 with a vision to2050 (currently the number of safe harbors can only meet about 48% needs).
Review and arrange priority order, step by step construction investment, enhancedisaster resilience of the infrastructure system
Enhance the state management role and capacity on DRM- To consolidate the state management organization system on the basis ofcentralization and unification direction, clearly defining functions and tasks, resolving thedispersal and overlapping situation. Raise the operational level of natural disasterprevention and control agencies at all levels towards full time, on the basis of reorganizing
the existing organizations, building professional, capable, qualified and skilled staff to33

meet the requirements in the new context. Focusing on consolidating and enhancing thequality and efficiency of the operations of the rescue and rescue forces at the central level
and the shock force for natural disaster prevention and control at the grassroots level.
- Promote the core role of existing forces operating at all levels to reinforce,
consolidate and supplement essential resources and equipment. Gradually improve
capacities, skills and conditions to ensure timely implementation and flexible handling of
natural disaster situations under the motto "four on-the-spot4" in accordance with thefields of ministries, sectors and regions, parts, and locality- Ministries, sectors and People's Committees at all levels are responsible for
ensuring resources and operational conditions for agencies and forces involved in thedisaster risk management, especially the task force at the grass root level- Control the investment channel to the construction of infrastructure for socioeconomic development in line with climate change response and natural disasterprevention such as reservoir construction, hydropower, especially small hydroelectric
projects
Promote science and technology and international cooperation on disasterrisk management- Promote scientific and technological development as a key task and effective
solution in disaster risk management. Priority is given to research, monitoring technology,
directing, managing and responding to natural disasters. Especially for major natural
disasters occurring on a large area such as storms, floods, flash floods, landslides,
droughts, salt water intrusion.
- Focus on application of remote sensing technology, information technology,
automation, new materials in database management, decision support tools. Continue toencourage businesses and research institutes to invest in science and technology
promote the public - private partnerships- Develop tools to support real-time operation and management; regularly update
the database system on natural disaster prevention, infrastructure, livelihood, economy
and society, especially in areas frequently affected by natural disasters.
- Promote cooperation, exchange, and sharing of information and experiences,
especially with upstream countries of the Red River, the Mekong River and countries in
the Asia region. Coordinate with international organizations in completing legal
frameworks and developing a disaster risk database. Improve efficiency of international
assistance, effectively implement international commitments on natural disaster risk
prevention, response and mitigation in which Vietnam participates.

4 The ‘four on-the-spot motto’: command on the spot, manpower on the spot, means and supplies on thespot, and logistics on the spot”
34