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Vietnam - Disaster Management

  • country: Vietnam
  • Theme: Environment & Disaster Reduction

Article banner: Vietnam - Disaster Reduction and Management

 

Summary:
Located in the Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam has long been prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, and landslides. By actively establishing regulations and leveraging technology, Vietnam aims to strengthen its domestic disaster response and recovery capabilities while reducing economic and human losses.

 

Section:｜Agency｜Overview｜Policies & Strategies｜VN-Taiwan｜International Collaboration｜Table｜

 

Agencies

 

Overview

Natural disasters, especially flooding, frequently impact Vietnam. During the typhoon and rainy seasons, disasters are almost always reported. The most recent disaster was Typhoon Capricorn in September 2024, which resulted in over 281 deaths and more than 1,900 injuries and caused nationwide property losses amounting to approximately VND$40 trillion. Hai Phong, one of the areas heavily impacted by the typhoon, suffered losses close to VND$11 trillion, equivalent to one-tenth of the city’s total fiscal revenue in 2023. (CNA, 2024).

 

According to Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources (VIGMR) Director Trịnh Hải Sơn, Vietnam has established early warning stations for disasters such as landslides, rockfalls, debris flows, flash floods, and mudslides. However, their coverage remains inadequate, and few stations can provide accurate warnings. Most early warning systems lack real-time data processing capabilities and are limited by Vietnam's overall wireless network infrastructure, which often can’t provide warnings during disasters due to service disruptions. Furthermore, domestic research and development on the installation of early warning stations are limited. There are also significant challenges in building large-scale interconnected databases because most equipment comes from abroad. (TECO in Vietnam, 2024)

 

Vietnam currently has disaster monitoring systems such as VNDMS and VinAWARE. Given its similar frequent exposure to typhoon-related disasters, Taiwan could further collaborate and exchange experiences with Vietnam, which would provide support in the development of future bilateral disaster prevention plans.

 

 

Policies & Strategies

Promoting the National Disaster Prevention Plan Until 2025
In March 2022, Vietnam's Prime Minister issued Decision No. 342/QD-TTg—Promoting the National Disaster Prevention Plan Until 2025—to enhance the country's ability to prevent natural disasters, adapt to climate change, proactively respond to disasters, and reduce losses. In terms of disaster planning, this initiative aims to raise disaster awareness by improving laws, mechanisms, and policies while strengthening public education on legal knowledge and disaster prevention skills. Additionally, it seeks to enhance disaster forecasting and early warning systems as well as allocate the necessary national funding for disaster response efforts.

 

Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Funds
In August 2021, the Vietnamese government introduced Decree No. 78/2021/NĐ-CP to establish and regulate the management of the Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Funds. The fund, which can open accounts at financial institutions under its name, has the status of a Vietnamese legal entity. Its official name for international transactions is the Vietnam Disaster Management Fund (VNDMF). Under this initiative, the fund also has a management board and a supervisory committee. The primary purpose of the fund is to assist with disaster responses that exceed local capacities, such as providing essential supplies and housing repairs for affected households while creating support measures related to disaster management and post-disaster reconstruction and recovery for areas with weaker response capabilities.

 

 

Release of Natural Disaster Information and Relevant Authorities
In July 2021, the Vietnamese government issued Decree No. 66/2021/ND-CP to further improve the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control. This decree outlines regulations regarding the dissemination and release of disaster-related information, the responsibilities and obligations of relevant authorities, post-disaster recovery, the duties of domestic and foreign legal entities, and the coordination of disaster-related agencies in Vietnam. A key provision specifies that, based on Vietnam's five-level disaster classification system, information disseminators such as television and radio broadcasters must report the latest updates on disasters. For disasters classified as Level 3 or below, updates should be broadcast every three hours, while for disasters above Level 3, updates should be broadcast every hour.

 

 

Project for community awareness raising and community-based natural disaster risk management, with a vision toward 2030
In April 2021, the Vietnamese Prime Minister announced Decision No. 379/QD-TTg—Project for Community Awareness Raising and Community-Based Natural Disaster Risk Management, with a Vision Toward 2030, which provided guidance and planning principles for disaster prevention in communes and rural areas. The project has three main components:

 

  1. Improving and enhancing mechanisms, policies, and documents related to community disaster awareness and natural disaster risk management.
  2. Building the capacity of local governments and disaster response teams to raise community disaster awareness and improve risk management skills. Cultivating disaster prevention awareness throughout all levels of government and disaster prevention taskforces and increasing disaster prevention risk management capabilities. This includes training natural disaster prevention forces, government officials, and community members, as well as fostering community-based disaster risk management activities.
  3. Strengthening public education campaigns to raise disaster awareness, enhance capacity for skills related to community disaster risk mitigation.

This project has been implemented across communes and rural areas in Vietnam since 2021 and will continue until 2030.

 

 

National Strategy on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control through 2030, with a vision toward 2050
In March 2021, the Vietnamese Prime Minister approved Decision No. 379/QD-TTg, which outlines the National Strategy on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control through 2030, with a Vision Toward 2050. This strategy is based on the 2007 Decision No. 173/2007/QD-TTg and reaffirms the “four on-the-spot motto” principle of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control while incorporating climate change adaptation into the national disaster prevention framework.

 

  1. Reducing disaster-related losses, with a particular focus on mitigating damage from heavy rains and floods, and reducing casualties from flash floods and landslides to less than 50% of the figures recorded between 2011 and 2020.
  2. Ensuring that government agencies at all levels, organizations, and households can fully and comprehensively receive disaster-related information.
  3. Establishing complete and fully functional disaster prevention databases at the national, regional, and provincial levels for disaster management and operational agencies.

 

 

Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control
In June 2013, Vietnam issued Law No. 33/2013/QH13 to implement the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, which officially came into effect in May 2014. In July 2021, a revised version of the law, Law No. 60/2020/QH14, was introduced. As the primary legislation for disaster prevention, the law outlines the scope of application and obligations of relevant authorities in detail. This law extends not only to Vietnamese citizens and the government but also to foreigners and international organizations in Vietnam.

The Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control introduced the “Four On-the-Spot Motto,” which includes: On-the-spot command, On-the-spot manpower, On-the-spot materials and tools and On-the-spot logistics. The 2020 revised version further expanded the list of disasters requiring national attention to include strong winds at sea, landslides, dense fog, and land subsidence caused by drought.

 

Technological Applications

VNDMS
In 2018, the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA) developed the Vietnam Disaster Monitoring System (VNDMS) to monitor various natural disasters in Vietnam. The system integrates real-time and near-real-time monitoring data, such as hydrometeorological information, reservoir levels, and maritime vessel activity, along with existing natural disaster data. This aids in disaster prevention efforts, dyke reinforcement, and the allocation of local disaster resources.

 

The VDDMA Disaster Policy and Technology Center has also developed App-VNDMS to further enhance the functionality of VNDMS. The app includes features such as disaster event alerts, early warnings, and real-time data updates. The system primarily provides alerts for disasters such as rainfall exceeding 50 millimeters within 24 hours, strong winds, and reservoirs for irrigation or hydroelectricity exceeding suitable levels.

 

Vietnam Disaster Monitoring System © VNDMS

Vietnam Disaster Monitoring System © VNDMS

 

VinAWARE
Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Disaster Management Center (DMC) partnered with the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) to develop VinAWARE with funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The development of the system started in 2012. In 2018, it officially launched after extensive research and data construction.

VinAWARE is a system specifically designed for flood modeling and early warning capacity development in Vietnam. Its primary purpose is to prevent disasters caused by dam failures by assisting the Vietnamese government in managing the country’s more than 6,000 dams. (PDC, 2012) (PDC, 2012)

 

 

Collaboration: Taiwan and Vietnam

National Science and Technology Council (NSTC)
The National Science and Technology Council (formerly the Ministry of Science and Technology) launched the New Southbound Smart Disaster Prevention Program to enhance the quality and quantity of academic research while strengthening the sharing of Taiwan's disaster prevention technologies and experiences with New Southbound countries. The program aims to enhance the disaster resilience of international partners by promoting international exchange and cooperation in disaster prevention and rescue technologies. In addition, the program seeks to jointly improve regional disaster prevention capabilities with partner countries by aligning with the three core values of “Innovation, Inclusiveness, and Sustainability”.

 

In October 2021 at the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction, Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei Ambassador Nguyễn Anh Dũng and Ministry of Science and Technology Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Development Director General Meng-Fan Lo witnessed National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction Director Hung-Yu Chen and Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment Vice President Le Thi Trinh sign a three-year cooperation implementation agreement.

 

The two parties designated the Tuojiang River Basin as the demonstration area to gradually understand potential disaster-causing factors by installing real-time monitoring instruments for rainfall and earthquakes. Through joint research, the two parties also aim to enhance disaster resilience by providing effective disaster prevention recommendations. (MOST, 2021)

 

Photo: Cooperation Implementation Agreement Signed © MOST

Photo: Cooperation Implementation Agreement Signed © MOST
(L) Nguyễn Anh Dũng, Former Representative of the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei
(C) Hung-Yu Chen, Director of the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction
(R) Meng-Fan Lo, Director General of the Natural Sciences and Sustainable Development, MOST (NSTC)

 

Ministry of Agriculture (MOA)
Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vietnam's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's MONRE-VIGMR on geological disaster and debris flow early warning mechanisms. This MOU aims to assist Vietnam in addressing the impacts of debris flow disasters caused by future extreme climate conditions.

 

In 2019, Taiwan and Vietnam collaborated to establish a debris flow monitoring station in Sa Pa District, Lào Cai Province, Vietnam. According to the Director and Deputy Director of Taiwan’s Soil and Water Conservation Bureau (now the Ministry of Agriculture Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation), Vietnam faces natural disasters such as floods and debris flows, which Taiwan has also struggled with in the past.

 

The Soil and Water Conservation Bureau has also conducted research and development of disaster prevention technologies and promoted systems such as community-based disaster prevention and the training of debris flow disaster prevention specialists. In addition, Taiwan has facilitated slope disaster prevention, risk reduction, and disaster avoidance by integrating both personnel and infrastructure measures for early warning technologies and evacuation mechanisms.

 

Taiwan also aims to leverage its debris flow monitoring technologies and data analysis methods to continue cooperating with Vietnam on sediment disaster research, expand the scope of disaster prevention technology cooperation, and create a reciprocal “win-win” partnership between the two countries.
(MOA, 2019) (SWCB, 2018)
 

 

National Fire Agency (NFA)
In November 2023, Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior National Fire Agency held the “Taiwan-Vietnam Advanced Technology Disaster Rescue and Firefighting Training Camp” which brought together elite firefighting and disaster rescue professionals from Taiwan and Vietnam. The camp aimed to strengthen cooperation between Taiwan and New Southbound countries in firefighting while enhancing Vietnam's technological disaster response capabilities by sharing Taiwan's extensive experience in technology-assisted disaster rescue.

 

Former Presidential Office Secretary-General Lin Chia-Lung emphasized that Vietnam is a member of ASEAN and a key country in Taiwan's New Southbound Policy. By sharing disaster rescue expertise and capacity with regional partners, Taiwan can showcase its disaster prevention and rescue capabilities on the international stage. (NFA, 2023)

 

 

International Collaboration

International Aid
In September 2024, Typhoon Yagi struck Vietnam and resulted in at least 281 deaths and losses of approximately VND$11 trillion. Governments from Southeast Asia and Oceania provided post-disaster assistance. The Singaporean government sent relief supplies, while the Thai government donated 2 million Thai Baht to aid in reconstruction efforts. Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs contributed US$1 million for post-disaster reconstruction, and the Australian government provided AUD$3 million along with material aid. (Channel New Asia, 2024) (Pataya Mail, 2024) (Vietnam Net Global, 2024) (Indonesia Business Post, 2024) (Hanoi Times, 2024)

 

 

Thailand
In October 2024, during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Thailand and Vietnam held bilateral talks focusing on bilateral economic, tourism, and disaster prevention cooperation. The disaster prevention discussions included joint disaster relief efforts, trade, and tourism initiatives.

During the meeting, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed condolences to the Vietnamese victims of Typhoon Capricorn and announced that Thailand would donate 2 million Thai Baht to support Vietnam's reconstruction efforts. (Pataya Mail, 2024)

 

 

Australia
Aquaculture is one of Vietnam’s key economic sectors. Therefore, tackling water quality deterioration is a critical issue for Vietnam. Australia’s CSIRO partnered with Vietnamese research teams, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology (HUMG), and the Vietnam National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (NAWAPI) to launch a demonstration project at an inland shrimp pond in Hai Phong using AquaWatch Australia.

 

AquaWatch integrates satellite imagery, underwater sensors, and AI to monitor subtle changes in water quality and provide near real-time water quality data and forecasts. This allows aquaculture operators to enhance water quality management and reduce the risks of algal blooms and nutrient imbalances in ponds. AquaWatch has established trial sites in seven countries, including Australia, Vietnam, and Malaysia, to improve the safety of aquatic food production, reduce environmental impacts, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices. (CSIRO, 2024)

 

 

Laos
In August 2024, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications (MTC) held their third bilateral meeting to discuss the establishment of data and communication centers for disaster management and to strengthen related collaboration. A key focus of the meeting was the implementation of proposals regarding natural disaster data and communication centers (particularly for earthquakes) and the Lao National Data Storage and Computing Cloud Center.

 

These proposals were documented in video recordings of the 2024 “46th Meeting of the Vietnam-Lao Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation”. To accelerate the project's progress, the VAST Institute of Geophysics and the MTC Applied Research Institute for Smart Technology (ARIST) established a joint laboratory for earthquake data and communications. VAST also provided ARIST with the necessary equipment and training for 15 of its officials to enhance their data analysis capabilities. (w.media, 2024)

 

 

Vietnam's Policy on Disaster Management

AgencyPolicy, Strategy, Project & Initiative 
Vietnam Government

Promoting the National Disaster Prevention Plan Until 2025 (342/QD-TTg)

Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Funds (78/2021/NĐ-CP)

Release of Natural Disaster Information and Relevant Authorities (66/2021/ND-CP)

Project for community awareness raising and community-based natural disaster risk management, with a vision toward 2030 (379/QD-TTg)

National Strategy on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control through 2030, with a vision toward 2050 (33/2013/QH13)

Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control (60/2020/QH14)
Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA) 

Vietnam Disasters Monitoring System (VNDMS)

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)

Disaster Management Center (DMC)

Pacific Disaster Center (PDC)

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

VinAWARE
National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Taiwan

New Southbound Smart Disaster Prevention Program

Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Taiwan

Agency of Rural Development and Soil and Water Conservation (ARDSWC), Taiwan

Viet Nam Disaster Management Authority (VNDMA)

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE)

Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources (VIGMR)

Debris Flow Monitoring Station

National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (NAWAPI)

Hanoi University of Mining and Geology (HUMG)

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia

AquaWatch

AquaWatch (Global pilot sites - Hai Phong, Vietnam)
National Fire Agency (NFA), Taiwan  Taiwan-Vietnam Advanced Technology Disaster Rescue and Firefighting Training Camp

 

Keywords: #Vietnam  #Disaster_Management

 

 

Reference/Sources:

Vietnam's Sources

 

Foreign Sources:

 

Other Sources:

 

Domestic Sources

Funded by

IMG: National Science and Technology Council logo

Commissioned by

IMG: National Institutes of Applied Research logo

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