International Community Helps Vietnam Respond to Natural Disasters

Deputy Prime Minister - Head of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Le Van Thanh spoke at the event

The event took place under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh - Head of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, along with the participation of representatives of embassies of countries, organizations of the United Nations in Vietnam, international organizations, ministries and branches.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister - Head of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Le Van Thanh said: “Through this event, we would like to thank the international community, agencies, organizations and partners who have always stood by the Government and people of Vietnam in preventing, combating and mitigating the consequences of natural disasters, especially the valuable, timely and effective support during the historic flood in the Central region in October 2020.”

According to the report at the event, the number of support from international organizations at home and abroad for the people in the Central region reached more than US$25 million after only a short time.

Recognizing these valuable relief and support activities, the Prime Minister decided to award the Certificate of Merit to the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the United Nations Resident Agency in Vietnam, United States Agency for International Development, Catholic Relief Services and the Asian Development Bank.

The deputy prime minister said that Vietnam was one of the countries most affected by climate change, often suffered from natural disasters, especially storms, floods, landslides and droughts.

Over the past 30 years, each year, on average, natural disasters left nearly 400 people dead or missing, causing economic losses of about 1-1.5% of GDP.

In response to natural disasters, Vietnam has participated in international organizations and forums related to disaster prevention and mitigation.

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

Vietnam highly appreciates and hopes that other countries, organizations and international friends will continue to accompany and support the Government, Steering Committee and Vietnamese people to soon access advanced science and technology. At the same time, Vietnam wishes to support resources to promptly respond and quickly overcome the consequences of natural disasters.

The deputy prime minister emphasized that Vietnam was committed to fully implementing the signed treaties on international cooperation in natural disaster prevention and control.

Vietnam creates the best conditions for international organizations when implementing projects on technical assistance, capacity building, relief and assistance in natural disaster prevention and control. At the same time, Vietnam ensures that all support will be open, transparent, in the right place and with the right audience, he said.

Shimizu Akira - Chief Representative of JICA Vietnam delivered a speech when receiving the Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister

Speaking at the event, Marco Toscano-Rivalta, chief of the Regional Office, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, said: "Vietnam is facing increasing risks due to climate change with 70% of the population living in coastal and low-lying areas. This means that future disasters will cause even greater consequences and damage."

"Countries need to work together to share knowledge, expertise and techniques, provide financial support and develop cross-border plans. Let's commit to taking international cooperation to the next level, because only by working together can we make real progress towards a safer and more resilient world."

Shimizu Akira, chief representative of JICA Vietnam, said: "In the coming time, JICA wishes to continue promoting cooperation in the field of natural disaster prevention and control; expanding the framework of activities such as responding to storms in the Central region or landslides and flash floods in the North, in order to contribute to improving the national capacity for disaster response in Vietnam."

At the event, it was also announced that East Meet West was a new member of the Disaster Risk Reduction - the 24th member. East Meet West has over 32 years of experience working to support the development of Vietnam.

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