February 5, 2025 | 10:09 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Wednesday- 10:35, 11/12/2024

Overcoming natural disasters with determination and compassion

(VAN) Multi-sectoral recovery assessment after Typhoon Yagi guides the development of sustainable post-disaster recovery plans, turning the plan into a collective effort for action.

On the afternoon of December 10, the year-end review meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep and Ms. Pauline Tamesis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam.

The meeting aimed to summarize the results achieved in joint efforts to mitigate and address the aftermath of natural disasters, including the response and relief efforts following typhoon Yagi.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep delivered the opening speech at the year-end review meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership. Photo: Kieu Chi. 

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep delivered the opening speech at the year-end review meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership. Photo: Kieu Chi. 

First, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep acknowledged the humanitarian response efforts: "We have faced the challenges brought by Typhoon Yagi with determination, courage, and compassion. While Typhoon No. 3 had not yet passed and the floodwaters had not receded, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development received many expressions of concern, support commitments, and quick action from the international community, including embassies, foreign government agencies, and international NGOs. These included shipments of international aid, bringing food, clean water, and essential supplies to the local."

The multidisciplinary assessment report is expected to help partners develop long-term and comprehensive recovery plans for vulnerable areas. This will not only save resources but also ensure effective coordination, with the goal of "building back better" after the disaster.

The United Nations representative in Vietnam recognizes the efforts of the government, ministries, local authorities, and partners in contributing to and committing to sustained efforts in providing timely support to the people. Photo: Quynh Anh. 

The United Nations representative in Vietnam recognizes the efforts of the government, ministries, local authorities, and partners in contributing to and committing to sustained efforts in providing timely support to the people. Photo: Quynh Anh. 

As co-chair of the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership (DRRP), UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Pauline Tamesis also emphasized the importance of collective action: "Typhoon Yagi was a test of our resilience, and it also demonstrated the efforts of the Government, ministries, localities, and partners in contributing and committing to timely and sustained support for the people. Now, we must turn plans into action, ensuring that recovery efforts are not just about aid, but also pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future."

Under the coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention, the multi-sectoral assessment based on collected information has helped create a necessary bridge, one of the foundations for developing comprehensive recovery plans for affected sectors. Many activities have been recognized in the process of support, and numerous stories have demonstrated the varying resilience capacities of localities.

Implementing multi-sectoral recovery assessment after Typhoon Yagi

A key highlight of the conference was the summary of the results of the multi-sectoral recovery assessment after Typhoon Yagi (VMSA). This assessment is the result of coordination between ministries, UN agencies, the EU, JICA, ADB, HAI, SCV, CRS, and other development partners.

The assessment was carried out across 14 provinces representing coastal, midland, and mountainous areas, including Bac Giang, Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Dien Bien, Ha Giang, Lai Chau, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Yen Bai, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Phu Tho.

The assessment report analyzed the damages, losses, and recovery needs of 15 key sectors, including agriculture, education, health, nutrition, culture and tourism, industry and commerce, water supply, housing, and sanitation. The sectors most severely affected were housing and community infrastructure, agriculture, industry and commerce, culture, tourism, and transportation.

The assessment also serves as an important forum for coordinating support activities based on comprehensive information. The findings of the report not only guide early recovery planning but also provide the necessary data to "build back better," ensuring that the infrastructure and livelihoods of communities being rebuilt will be more resilient.

At the meeting, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep awarded Certificates of Merit from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to six international organizations that have made outstanding contributions in disaster prevention, response, and recovery efforts following Typhoon No. 3 - Yagi, contributing to the development of agriculture and rural areas in Vietnam. The recipients included the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Vietnam (UNRCO), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and Samaritan's Purse.

Authors: Kieu Chi - Quynh Anh

Translated by Kieu Chi

Future of farming: Insect waste reshapes soil health

Future of farming: Insect waste reshapes soil health

(VAN) Scientists have found that insect frass–a blend of excreta, feed, and molted skins – is far from a mere waste product. Instead, it could play a key role in advancing greener, more sustainable agriculture.

Donald Trump threatens to ignite era of trade wars with new tariffs

Donald Trump threatens to ignite era of trade wars with new tariffs

(VAN) US president says he will hit Canada, Mexico, China and EU with levies as he targets major trading partners.

Bird flu outbreaks in cattle not a risk to humans

Bird flu outbreaks in cattle not a risk to humans

(VAN) A research study of bird flu viruses in cattle has shown that the H5N1 strain does not pose an increased threat to humans.

Protests by fruit pickers and farmers put spotlight on price of cheap food in UK

Protests by fruit pickers and farmers put spotlight on price of cheap food in UK

(VAN) In two actions, migrant workers claim exploitation while farmers demonstrate against inheritance tax plan.

Food insecurity deepens in Lebanon following conflict

Food insecurity deepens in Lebanon following conflict

(VAN) From FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa.

Czech President supports lifting IUU 'yellow card' for Vietnam

Czech President supports lifting IUU 'yellow card' for Vietnam

(VAN) President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel affirmed his support for the EC to consider lifting the IUU 'yellow card' on Vietnam's seafood exports.

Plant genetics discovery could revolutionize fertilizer use in farming

Plant genetics discovery could revolutionize fertilizer use in farming

(VAN) Discover how a genetic mutation in plants enhances partnerships with soil microbes, reducing fertilizer use and boosting sustainable farming practices.

Read more