Enhancing disaster preparedness and response capacity within local communities

To raise awareness and encourage self-preparedness among the people

Ca Mau Province has suffered significant damage from various types of natural disasters. In addition to land erosion, extreme weather events have also caused considerable harm to local residents. Every year, during the rainy season, the situation of riverbank erosion in Nam Can District, Ca Mau Province becomes increasingly complex. Currently, the district has 65 sections of riverbank at high risk of erosion, with a total length of nearly 100 kilometers.

The hot spot for riverbank erosion in Nam Can District is located along the Dau Cha - Bien Truong canal in Lam Hai Commune. Recently, an erosion incident occurred, disrupting road traffic. This incident also caused the house of Mr. Dinh Van Ngon to be swept away by the current.

"About 15 years ago, this river was very small, and my house was built right by the riverbank. It kept eroding, and a few years ago, the erosion got very close to my house, so the local authorities advised me to move my house. I already moved it once. Recently, the erosion went further in and caused my house to collapse into the river. The local government came to encourage me to build my house further inside. I felt it was too dangerous, so I moved my house deep into the land, and now, after a tiring day at work, I can sleep peacefully", Mr. Ngon said.

Mr. Le Van Sin, the Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Nam Can District, explained that prior to the onset of the annual rainy and storm season, significant attention will be given to disseminating information regarding forecasts and early warnings about areas prone to landslides. In situations where roads and embankments are identified as being at high risk of erosion, relevant authorities and local forces will be mobilized to support residents in strengthening and repairing these structures. Furthermore, for waterways that pose long-term challenges for restoration, residents are encouraged to relocate their homes further inland for greater safety.

"The District Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue recognizes that educating and raising awareness among residents about landslide prevention is of utmost importance. In densely populated areas that are at high risk of landslides but where relocation is not yet feasible, we strongly advise residents against storing heavy items and recommend that elderly individuals, women, and children refrain from sleeping overnight in these vulnerable locations. We actively inform the community about the signs and potential risks of landslides. From there, help people know how to prevent and minimize damage", Mr. Sin shared.

Joining hands to expand the forest

In late August, the Ca Mau Provincial Youth Union, in collaboration with the Resource and Environment Communication Center (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) and sponsors, planted 120.000 mangrove trees in the coastal area of Khanh Binh Tay Commune, Tran Van Thoi District, Ca Mau Province.

The area where the trees are being planted had previously suffered severe erosion, leading to the loss of protective forests. The Ca Mau Province has constructed a embankment to create a protective area, which has gradually allowed the restoration of the coastal land. Hundreds of union members, along with local authorities and relevant forces in Ca Mau Province, participated in the program to plant trees, aiming to green the coastal land once again.

Mrs. Phan Yen Trinh, a member of the youth union in Khanh Binh Tay Commune, shared: "Climate change and the erosion of the western sea dike are becoming increasingly serious, significantly affecting the lives of local residents. Since my house is here, I understand the difficulties and worries of the people when storms approach. Planting trees to combat erosion and help protect the western sea dike is very meaningful, as it not only helps prevent erosion but also contributes to environmental protection. I am very happy to be involved and contribute my efforts to protect my community and work towards a greener Vietnam".

In 2019, the area of sediment along the northern bank of Da Bac River mouth (Khanh Binh Tay Commune) was also the focus of a program organized by the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee. This is a mangrove planting program to preserve the coastal land. As of now, a portion of the forest in this area has grown significantly, contributing to the restoration of coastal protective forests.

Mr. Nguyen Van Vang, Head of Thoi Hung Hamlet in Khanh Binh Tay Commune, shared: "In our locality, there is a tree planting program implemented every few years. With the presence of forests, residents feel more secure, especially since this area is frequently affected by strong waves and winds. During the rainy and storm season of 2019, despite the sea dike being nearly 4 meters high, the waves still overflowed. Local people have experienced the severe devastation caused by nature, which has led to a growing awareness and collective effort to protect the forest as a sturdy shield against storms".

Cozy in storm-resistant homes

U Minh is one of the districts benefiting from the project "Enhancing resilience to climate change impacts for vulnerable coastal communities in Vietnam" in Ca Mau Province, which is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The GCF project has provided vital support for 130 impoverished households living along the coast in U Minh District, enabling them to construct houses that can withstand storms and floods. Residents have the option to choose between two house models: the 3A model and the 5A model.

The 3A model is valued at approximately 3.200 USD, which includes 1.600 USD funded by the project and an additional 1.600 USD contributed from the provincial budget. This model is designed to meet essential resilience standards while being cost-effective for families in need. On the other hand, the 5A model, which is priced between 4.400 and 5.400 USD, also receives 1.600 USD from the project and another 1.600 USD from the provincial budget. For this model, residents are required to contribute an additional amount ranging from 1.000 to 2.300 USD. 

The family of Mrs. Do Thi Anh (in Hamlet 15, Khanh Lam Commune, U Minh District) has put into use a house valued at 5.600 USD, constructed with support from the GCF project.

"I belong to a poor household with no land for production; my husband and I work as laborers to make a living. Previously, we lived in a temporary, dilapidated house and always dreamed of having a basic home for stability. If it weren't for the support from the project, I don't know when our family would have been able to afford a proper house. Living near the sea, we often faced storms and strong winds, which made it easy for our people' roofs to get blown off. Now, I no longer worry about this issue", Mrs. Anh said.

According to Mr. Le Hong Thinh, Deputy Chairman of the U Minh District People's Committee, throughout the process, the provincial steering committee and the technical team of the GCF project have provided substantial support to help the district complete and put into use all 130 houses. This was achieved according to design specifications and ahead of the planned timeline, which was set for June 2024.

Initially, these structures have had a positive impact, enabling residents to stabilize their lives and enhance their resilience to the increasingly complex weather conditions. The project has also significantly contributed to the district's poverty reduction program, as well as efforts to build a new rural area, particularly in the realm of disaster prevention and management in the region.