Doan Thi Tuyet Nga, head of the Department of Science-Technology and International Cooperation under the Vietnam Disaster Management Authority said that Japan, owning advanced technology in disaster prevention and response, has supported Vietnam in managing risks of natural disasters, especially floods and landslides.
The administration has worked with experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to translate documents to serve the building of plans on flash flood prevention and control, she noted.
However, Nga stressed the need of stronger engagement of authorised agencies and scientists as well as support from developed countries like Japan.
Vu Le Minh, an expert from the Department of Science-Technology and International Cooperation, noted that Vietnam is one of the countries hardest hit by natural disasters, including flash flood and landslides.
He noted that as flash flood and landslides often occur in tough terrain, the search and rescue work is difficult.
In August this year, only 15-minute flash flood caused 10 deaths and missing, destroyed 35 houses with total losses of VND 120 billion, he said.
Naoki Imamura from the Water and Disaster Management Bureau under Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism shared a number of measures that Japan has applied to prevent and respond to natural disasters, including the building of dams.
Participants at the event discussed the need to enhance the efficiency of early warning systems, improve public awareness of preventing and responding to flash flood and landslides, apply science and technology in communications, equip localities with warning equipment, and call for involvement of the private sector.
They also proposed that the Government allow the launching of a project to pilot a early warning system and the construction of dams to prevent mud and rocks in a number of risky areas.
