Local community - the subject in natural disaster risk management

The local community’s decisive role in natural disaster prevention and control

According to Mr. Le Minh Hoan, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Deputy Head of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, in the context that the world is facing and dealing with disturbances in socio-economic life, the close and consensus relationship among countries along with the coordinating role of the United Nations hold the decisive role, demonstrating the spirit of international cooperation, sharing difficulties and connecting resources.

Regarding "Risk Mitigation" and "Disaster Management", it is essential to focus on preparation and prevention in a proactive and positive manner, towards fundamental and sustainable solutions. The work of preparation and prevention is not only for this year or the next. It requires a further vision, for the next five or ten years, for future generations.

Minister Le Minh Hoan emphasized: “As the decisive actor throughout the process of disaster risk management, it is the local community that has the best understanding and knowledge of the risks from the currently-facing natural disasters in order to actively participate in the planning and implementation stages, based on the optimal utilization of available resources along with useful indigenous knowledge handed down through generations.

This is the foundation for sustainable development, harmonizing the three pillars of economy - society - environment, both meeting the urgent needs of today's generation and not harming or minimizing future generations' opportunity to enjoy life.”

Minister Le Minh Hoan informed at the event: “Storm LionRock has just weakened into a tropical depression, but Typhoon Kompasu will soon invade Vietnam’s territory. Immediately after this event, the Delegation and I will move to the areas affected by the Typhoon Kompasu to closely monitor the situation, promptly give instructions and support the people.”

Dual challenges from natural disasters and epidemics

In terms of international cooperation, Vietnam has actively and enthusiastically participated in international organizations and forums related to disaster prevention and mitigation such as: Joining the global SENDAI Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Agreement on global climate change, signing the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and participating in commitments under the Emergency Preparedness Working Group of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (EPWG - APEC).

Vietnam is assessed as an active member in the region, taking an active role and effectively contributing to ASEAN's joint efforts in disaster risk reduction and prevention.

In order to reduce risks caused by the "double challenge" from natural disasters and epidemics, the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control has closely coordinated with international organizations in recent years to act on natural disaster prevention and control amid the Covid-19 epidemic.

Since the beginning of 2021 Vietnam has been affected by 17/22 types of natural disasters, including 8 storms, 2 tropical depressions in the East Sea, 310 hail, thunderstorms, lightning; 88 heavy rains, local flood, resulting in 61 people dead or missing, 72 people injured; 238 houses completely collapsed, 8,286 houses damaged and had their roofs removed. The estimated damage is over VND 450 billion.