OFTEN USED ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

Transcription

1 OFTEN USED ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS CCFSC CFSC DARD GSO MARD MOF MOFish MONRE MPI NDPRMRS Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control Committee for Flood and Storm Control (at Province, District and Commune levels) Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (of MARD, at Province) General Statistic Office Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry of Finance Ministry of Fisheries (now part of MARD) Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Ministry of Planning and Investment Natural disaster prevention, response and mitigation responsibilities and solutions i

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS A. NATURAL DISASTER AND DAMAGE CAUSED BY DISASTER IN VIETNAM... 1 A.I General introduction of natural disaster Typical natural disasters Assessment of natural disaster severity Some disaster events The Central Region affected most by natural disasters... 6 A.II DAMAGES CAUSED BY NATURAL DISASTERS OVER 10 YEARS ( ) 6 5. Damages caused by natural disasters in Vietnam Damages caused by natural disaster for river basin Damages caused by natural disasters in Economic Zones Consequences of natural disasters to socio-economic development B. NATURAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN VIETNAM B.I OVERVIEW B.II FLOOD, STORM CONTROL AND DISASTER MITIGATION NETWORK At the central level At the local levels Committees for Flood and Storm Control of various Ministries B.III HYDRO-METEOROLOGICAL FORECASTING SYSTEM National Hydro-meteorological center Hydro-meteorological observatory network The hydro-meteorological forecasting system at 3 levels: Types of forecasts Information system B.IV RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES FOR FLOOD AND STORM WARNING National Hydro-meteorological Center CCFSC Voice of Vietnam (national broadcasting radio or VOV) Television of Vietnam (national television or VTV) National and local daily newspapers Ministry of Information and Communications Provincial People s Committees and CFSCs Central Ministries and agencies Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Transport, MARD ii

3 B.V STATISTICAL SYSTEMS OF DISASTER DAMAGES AND LOSSES B.VI 26. Current set of statistic data at CCFSC Current set of statistic data at General Statistic Office (GSO) PLANNING AND STRATEGIS FOR NATURAL DISASTER PREVENTION, RESPONSE AND MITIGATION National strategy for natural disaster prevention, response and mitigation to Flood and storm prevention and control planning for Red River Thai Binh river system Planning document on flood water control and use in Mekong River Delta for period from 1999 to Revised Mekong river delta water resources masterplan for period and orientations to Information project for facilitating natural disaster prevention, response and mitigation at sea Safe harbor planning for fishing boats to 2010 and vision to C. NATURAL DISASTER SITUATION IN RIVER BASINS C.I GENERAL River systems and river basins Flood season Classifying flood Regions for natural disaster prevention, response and mitigation C.II SITUATION OF NATURAL DISASTER AND FLOOD ON THE RIVER BASINS The Ky Cung-Bang Giang River Basin The Hong Thai Binh River Basin The Ma River Basin The Ca River Basin The Gianh River Basin The Thach Han River Basin The Huong River Basin The Thu Bon - Vu Gia River Basin The Tra Khuc River Basin The Kone River Basin The Ba River Basin The Dong Nai River Basin The SERC River Basin The Sesan River Basin The Srepok River Basin iii

4 53. The Cuu Long River Basin D. FLOOD AND NATURAL DISASTER INDICATORS D.I Flood and natural disaster for river basins Flood storage index, WRI Rice inundation index, WRI Flood human life index, SDI Flood damage Index, SDI D.II Flood and natural disaster indices for Economic Zones Comments E. GENERAL COMMENTS (NATURAL DISASTER ISSUES) REFRENCES TABLE, GRAPH, MAP, CHART No CONTENTS Page Table: 1 Assessment of disaster severity in different geographic areas and in the coastal economic zone of Vietnam 2 Damages caused by natural disaster in 10 years from 1997 to Damages caused by natural disaster for the river basins ( ) 6 4 Damages caused by natural disaster for the Economic zone ( ) 9 5 Flood seasons in river basins 37 6 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) In the Bang Giang-Ky Cung River Basin 7 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) in the Hong-Thai Binh River Basin 8 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) In the Ma River Basin 9 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) In the Ca River Basin 10 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) In the Gianh River Basin 11 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) In the Thach Han River Basin 12 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) In the Huong River Basin 13 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) In the Vu Gia-Thu Bon River Basin 14 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) In the Tra Khuc River Basin iv

5 15 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) 60 In the Kone River Basin 16 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) 62 In the Ba River Basin 17 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) 64 In the Dong Nai River Basin 18 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) 65 In the SERC River Basin 19 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) 66 In the Sesan River Basin 20 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) 68 In the Serepok River Basin 21 Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) 71 In the Cuu Long River Basin 22 Flood and natural disaster indices for River Basins Flood and natural disaster indices for Economic Zones 77 Graph: 1 Number of deaths by natural disaster from 1997 to 2006 in Vietnam 6 2 Damage cost caused by natural disaster from 1997 to 2006 in Vietnam thiên tai 10 năm ( ) ở Việt Nam 3 Number of deaths by natural disaster from 1997 to 2006 in river basins 7 4 Damage cost caused by natural disaster from 1997 to 2006 in river basins 8 5 Number of deaths by natural disaster from 1997 to 2006 in economic zones 9 6 Damage cost caused by natural disaster from 1997 to 2006 in economic zones Map: Chart: Map of hazard zones in Vietnam 3 Organizational chart for flood control and natural disaster mitigation 15 Organization chart of CCFSC 16 Graph of Index: Flood human life index for river basins, SDI Flood damage index for river basins, SDI Flood human life index for economic zones, SDI Flood damage index for economic zones, SDI v

6 A. NATURAL DISASTERS AND DAMAGE CAUSED BY DISASTER IN VIETNAM A.I General introduction to natural disasters Vietnam s geographic position and topographic condition form special characteristics resulting in serious and diversified disasters. Natural disasters occur almost every year in Vietnam. There are typical disasters in each season and particular characteristics in each region. Vietnam suffers from many kinds of disasters, such as: flood, storm, tropical depression, storm surge, inundation, whirlwind, flash flood, river bank and coastline erosion, hail rain, drought, landslide and forest fire. Over a recent 10 year period ( ), natural disasters such as typhoons, floods and droughts have caused substantial losses, including over 5000 missing and dead people, and asset damage equivalent to 1 % of GDP. Natural disasters in Vietnam have been increasingly severe in terms of magnitude, frequency and volatility. 1. Typical natural disasters The National Strategy For Natural Disaster Prevention, Response And Mitigation to 2020 approved by Prime Minister, No. 172/2007/QD-TTg, 16 November 2007 (National Stategy_2020) classified typical natural disasters in Vietnam as follows: Typhoons Typhoons are one of the major and most dangerous types of natural disaster in Vietnam. From 1954 to 1999, there were 494 typhoons and tropical depressions in Vietnam, of which 31% hit the North, 46% to the Central Region and 22% to the South. Typhoons landfalls usually accompany high tide and heavy rain, thus resulting in heavy and long rains and flood. It is estimated that up to 80-90% of Vietnam s population are affected by typhoons. Floods: Floods are also one of the major and most dangerous types of natural disaster in Vietnam The flood season in each region varies according the rainfall pattern across the country. The flood season in the Red River and Thai Binh River system normally occurs from May to September, earlier than that in other regions. The flood season on the rivers from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh is from June to October every year. On the rivers from Quang Binh to Binh Thuan, the flood season is from September to December Flash floods and mud floods: Flash floods have occurred and threaten in all 33 mountainous provinces of 4 regions, namely the Northern Mountains, the Central, the Central Highlands and the Eastern South. Due to climate changes in recent years, flash floods appear to have become more frequent. Inundation: Inundation is usually caused by heavy rains and lasts for lengthy periods in some areas. Although resulting in limited human loss if relatively shallow, it causes severe negative impacts on agricultural production and the ecological environment

7 Drought and desertification: Drought is a common type of disaster, which causes the 3 rd greatest losses, following typhoons and floods. In some particular years, drought reduces food productivity by 20-30%, thus severely threatening people s livelihoods and daily life. Salinity intrusion: Three zones at higher risks of salinity intrusion are the South West coastal provinces, Central Coastal provinces and the downstream part of the Dong Nai River. Whirlwind and cyclone: Both whirlwind and cyclone are violent types of natural disaster. They happen suddenly and are not yet forecasted, therefore causing vast and unpredictable consequences. Whirlwind and cyclone are common phenomena in Vietnam, and their frequency has increased. Landslide: Landslide is a common type of disaster, consisting of river bank erosion, coastline erosion, and landslide on mountain slopes, land subsidence, etc. Landslides are usually caused by external factors (water), and human activities (unplanned mineral exploitation or construction), etc. Earthquake and tsunami: Earthquakes have happened in Vietnam though in a limited strength. Tsunami has not yet happened in Vietnam. However, many coastal areas of Vietnam may be affected by tsunami due to earthquake potential in some neighbouring countries. Storm surge: Storm surge is the rise in ocean water level during a storm or typhoon caused by the lower pressure, wind forcing of waves and sea level and the bathymetry. Sea level rise: Sea level rise is the phenomenon of the annual average of increase in sea level in recent years higher than the multi-year average of sea level, resulting from the effects of global climate change. 2. Assessment of natural disaster severity The National Report On Disaster Reduction In Vietnam (for the World Conference on Disaster Reduction, Kobe-Hyogo, Japan, January 2005) produced the table Assessment of Disaster Severity in Different Geographic Areas and in the Coastal Economic Zone of Vietnam and a Map of Hazard Zones in Vietnam as follows: - 2 -

8 Table 1. Assessment of disaster severity in different geographic areas and in the coastal economic zone of Vietnam Disaster North east and north west Red River Delta Geographic Areas and Economic Zones North central coast South central coast Central highlands North east south Mekong River Delta Coastal Economic Zone Storm Flood Flash flood Whirlwind Drought Desertification Saline intrusion Inundation Landslide Storm surge Fire Industrial and environmental hazard The Table shows the assessment of disaster severity in each zone: Very severe (++++); Severe (+++); Medium (++); Light (+) & None (-)

9 Map of hazard Zones in Vietnam The relative frequency in Vietnam of natural disasters was described as: (i) High: for typhoon, tropical depression, flood, inundation, flash flood, drought and whirlwind/cyclone. (ii) Medium: for landslide, forest fire, saline intrusion; (iii) Low: for earthquake, accident (technology), frost, fog. Typhoon and flood are the natural disasters that occur most often and frequently in Vietnam. The damage caused by storm and flood is also higher than that that from other disasters. 3. Some disaster events The Red River Delta Year 2003: Early September, highly concentrated torrential rains caused severe inundation to most of the rice cultivation area of Thai Binh Province. Other provinces such as Ninh Binh and Nam Dinh also endured serious inundation. The total area of - 4 -

10 rice cultivation of the three provinces affected by the inundation exceeded 120,000ha; of which 60,000ha was in Thai Binh Province (half of this area was totally destroyed). The damage caused to aquatic production was also large. The Central Region (the North Central and Central Coast) Year 1999: Within a month from 1 st November to 6th December, almost all provinces in the central and southern parts of Central Vietnam were exposed to two spells of torrential rain which caused two big floods in a vast area from Quang Binh Province to Khanh Hoa Province. The aggregated rainfall was recorded at 2,500mm in Thua Thien-Hue; 2,000-2,50mm in Quang Tri, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh and Da Nang; 1,000-1,500mm in Quang Binh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, and Ninh Thuan. The highest daily rainfalls were 1,384mm (measured from 7am on 2nd November to 7am 3 rd November) and 1,009mm (measured from 1pm on 3rd November to 1pm on 4th November) in Hue City and in Quang Ngai Province s Son Giang area, respectively. The two spells of torrential rain caused two extremely severe floods in Central Vietnam. During the floods, water levels on all rivers exceeded the third alarm levels and water levels on some rivers were equivalent to or exceeded historical flood levels. Flooding killed 715 people, inundated nearly 1 million houses, swept away thousands of houses, and incurred an economic loss of nearly 5,000 billion dong. This loss was among the greatest disaster related damage records of the 20th century in Vietnam. The Cuu Long Delta In the last 20 years, the Cuu Long Delta has endured regular substantial flooding, with return frequencies being the highest ever recorded. Extremely devastating floods were seen in years 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, and Particularly, flooding in 2000 caused the highest damage to provinces frequently vulnerable to inundation in the Delta. Flood water levels in some areas were centimetres higher than the ones recorded in previous highest flood years of 1961, 1978, and The flood killed over 400 people and caused an economic loss of nearly 4,000 billion VND. Mountain areas A number of typical flash floods over 10 recent years have been recorded such as the flash floods in provinces of Lai Chau and Son La in 1994, 1996, 2000 and 2002; the flash floods in provinces of Lao Cai, Ha Giang, and Cao Bang in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004; the flash flood in Binh Thuan province at the end of July 1999 causing 30 deaths and hundreds of house losses; and especially the historical flash flood from 17 to 22 September 2002 at two districts of Huong Son and Huong Khe of Ha Tinh Province, caused 53 deaths, 111 people injured, 7,253 houses swept away and collapsed, 53,210 houses submerged and affected, 6,881 ha of rice and other crops buried and submerged

11 4. The Central Region affected most by natural disasters Provinces in this region from Thanh Hoa (Ma River Basin) to Binh Thuan (SERC Basin) are most affected by typhoon and flood. Statistics indicate that there were 494 storms and tropical low pressures observed in Vietnam from 1954 to On average, there are about 10.7 typhoons and tropical depressions occur each year. Number of typhoons and tropical low pressure affecting Vietnam ( ) Month May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total Number of Avg/annum A.II DAMAGES CAUSED BY NATURAL DISASTERS OVER 10 YEARS ( ) 5. Damages caused by natural disasters in Vietnam Table 2: Losses caused by natural disasters over 10 years ( ) Item Total People Killed Houses collapsed Paddy Damaged (1000 ha) , ,037 13,495 52,585 12,253 10,503 9,098 4,487 1,192 7,585 74, ,019 Damage Cost (B VND) (Source : ,007 7,730 1,767 4,550 5,098 3,370 1,958 1,574 1,004 5,809 18,556 51,065 The data for deaths and damage costs is plotted in Graths 1 and

12 Graph 1 : Number of deaths by natural disaster from 1997 to 2006 (Unit: No) Graph 2: Damage cost caused by natural disaster from 1997 to 2006 (Unit : B VND) ,000 18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2, Damages caused by natural disaster for each river basin Vietnam has dense river networks with 2,360 rivers of 10 km and above length and 10 river basins of area greater than 10,000 km 2. Table 3: Damages caused by natural disaster for the river basins ( ) No River basin Number of deaths Rice fields submerged (ha) Damage cost (M VND) 1 Ky Cung-Bang Giang 61 18, ,995 2 Hong-Thai Binh ,579 3,271,365 3 Ma ,377 1,037,936 4 Ca ,820 2,060,773 5 Gianh 77 67, ,149 6 Thach Han 94 80,861 2,719,878 7 Huong ,069 4,246,531 8 Thu Bon- Vu Gia ,353 8,152,

13 9 Tra Khuc , , Kone , , Ba ,062 1,094, Đong Nai ,189 1,846, SERC ,722 5,198, Sesan 25 18, , Srepok 74 53, , Cuu Long 1, ,198 14,896,950 Total 4,957 3,909,283 47,919,077 Graph 3: Number of deaths by river basin from natural disasters from 1997 to 2006 (Unit: No) - 8 -

14 Graph 4: Damage cost caused by natural disasters from 1997 to 2006 (Unit : B VND) 7. Damages caused by natural disasters in Economic Zones There are 64 provinces and cities in Vietnam classified in 8 Economic Zones: - The North East Zone: Including provinces of Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, Langj Son, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Bac Giang and Quang Ninh Quảng Ninh; - The North West Zone: Including provinces of Hoa Binh, Son La, Lai Chau and Dien Bien; - The Red Detal Zone: Including provinces and cities of Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Vinh Phu, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Ha Nam, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh and Ha Tay; - The North Central Zone: Including provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue; - The Central Coast Zone: Including provinces and city of Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan; - The Central Highlands Zone: Including provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, Kom Tum and Lam Dong; - 9 -

15 - The Eastern South Zone: Including provinces and city of Ho Chi Minh, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh and Ba Ria-Vung Tau; and - The Cuu Long Delta Zone: Including provinces and city of Long An, Tien Giang, Can Tho, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien Giang, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau. Table 4 : Damage caused by natural disasters in each Economic Zone ( ) No Economic Zone Number of Rice fields Damage cost deaths submerged (ha) (B VND) 1 North East ,418 1,633 2 North West 91 24, Red River Delta , North Central ,087 9,656 5 Central Coast 1, ,773 17,223 6 Central Highlands 99 72, Eastern South ,189 1,716 8 Cuu Long Delta 1, ,198 14,113 Graph 5: Number of deaths each Economic Zone from natural disasters from 1997 to North East North West Red River Delta North Central Central Coast Central Highlands Eastern South Cuu Long Delta

16 Graph 6: Damaged cost caused by natural disasters from 1997 to 2006 (B VND) 18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 - North East North West Red River Delta North Central Central Coast Central Highlands Eastern South Cuu Long Delta 8. Consequences of natural disasters to socio-economic development Socio-economic consequences Natural disasters in Vietnam are a direct impediment to economic development, sustainable development and poverty reduction; and a huge obstacle to the process of striving for the development goals of Vietnam. Vietnam has more than 80% of its population living at risk of direct impacts of natural disasters. Natural disasters have taken away many achievements of national socio-economic development. In the last 10 years ( ), natural disasters have killed nearly 5,000 people, more than four million hectares of rice fields have been destroyed, and total losses are estimated at 50,000 billion VND. Natural disaster intensifies the division in residents living standard; hinders and lowers attempts at hunger eradication and poverty alleviation, especially in areas frequently at risk of disaster. On average, millions of people are in need of assistance due to natural disasters every year. Many who have just escaped from poverty are re-impoverished due to the disasters. Natural disaster affects educational development, destroys educational infrastructure and interrupts school time, especially in mountainous areas and the Cuu Long Delta. In that area in 2006, a natural disaster killed approximately 300 people, including 40 children; 268 classes were destroyed and 8,348 classes collapsed

17 Environmental consequences Natural disasters can destroy, degrade and pollute some environmental areas but can also provide environmental flows and beneficial fluvial loads to some environmental areas. Consequences of natural disaster result in water pollution and disease generation. Consequences of natural disasters to national defence and public security Natural disasters can destroy constructions for defence and security; reduce the national reserve; cause social instability; and cause chaos in social security and order. B. NATURAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN VIETNAM B.I OVERVIEW The Vietnamese nation was formed and went through its first stage of development in the areas which are the Red and Ma river deltas at present. In the old days, Vietnamese people left mountains and midlands and went to the plains. Through one to another generation, they broke fresh ground and changed it to arable land. They also established a dike system to conquer the Red River which caused floods and inundation every year. Their continuous process of working to conquer water related disasters, such as floods, storms and droughts, and the process of constructing dikes and canals for facilitating rice cultivation, have created a wet rice cultivation civilization and a village-based culture. The history of conquering natural disaster has delivered the creativity and robust vitality helping the Vietnamese nation to overcome all challenges and adapt to natural conditions for its production, existence and development. By 1248, the Red River dike system had formed. At present, the system of river and sea dikes of the nation is thousands of kilometres long. No sooner had the Democratic Republic of Vietnam been established than President Ho Chi Minh signed Order No. 70/SL on 22 May 1946 to establish a Central Committee for Dike Maintenance, the predecessor of the current Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control (CCFSC). Sixty years have elapsed since then. Through various historical periods, the cause of storm and flood control as well as natural disaster mitigation has been always developing, and a system of storm and flood prevention and control as well as natural disaster mitigation has been established and tightly structured from the central to the local level. Strengthening and improvements have been continuous. Legal documents have been step by step accomplished which has created a legal corridor for the cause of flood and storm control as well as natural disaster mitigation. These documents include: the Ordinace on Dike (1989), the Ordinance on Flood and Storm Control (1993), the Water-related Disaster Control Strategy (1994), the Law on Dike (2006) and the National Strategy on Natural Disaster Prevention, Control and Mitigation by 2020 (2007), and the Water Resources Law, etc. The organizational mechanism has been step by step strengthened and the capacities, equipment and

18 physical infrastructure have been enhanced. Many socio-economic development programs have also been developed and implemented, and there have been studies and application of science and technology for flood and storm control as well as natural disaster mitigation. As of today, Vietnam has participated in many international and regional organizations working in the field of natural disaster mitigation, e.g. the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), the Asian Disaster Prevention Center (ADPC) the ASEAN Committee for Disaster Management, the World s Meteorological Organization, the Typhoon Committee (TC), etc. B.II FLOOD, STORM CONTROL AND DISASTER MITIGATION NETWORK Activities for flood, storm control and disaster mitigation in Vietnam have been recognized and considered strong and effective by many nations and international organizations in the world. Vietnam is known in the world as a successful country in the area of natural disaster preparedness and responses (Mr. John Hendra, the UN Resident Representative in Vietnam). It has been a surprise for many nations in the world when they find out that Vietnam, though being a disaster prone country, has made very good responses to the disasters. In some instances, tens of thousands of people were convinced to evacuate from dangerous places to safe shelters in only one night, essential goods have been provided in a timely manner to vulnerable people and recovery of disaster consequences have also occurred very quickly and effectively. In fact, the flood, storm control and disaster mitigation network of Vietnam is an institution, or a political and social structure, that has been formed and developed because of the need of flood, storm control and disaster mitigation, firstly for protecting the communities and secondly, for protecting infrastructure and economic establishments. This network is closely structured from the central to the local and community level. It has clear functions, tasks and working regulations to ensure good and effective coordination of activities for flood, storm control and disaster mitigation. The system of legal documents on flood, storm control and disaster mitigation has been always enriched and improved to increase the responsibility of various levels of authorities in the efforts for flood, storm control and disaster mitigation. It also helps to improve the community s knowledge on law so that the public can take initiatives for effective disaster responses and recovery. 9. At the central level 9.1 The Government The Government performs the function of state management over activities of flood and storm control nationwide, and issues legal documents and regulations relating to this matter. When a natural disaster goes beyond the capacity of response of central ministries, agencies and provinces, the Government will decide on mobilizing necessary resources for responses, relief, recovery and reconstruction in order to minimize damages and quickly restabilize the public s life. When there is an extremely high risk of natural disaster, the Prime Minister is responsible for proposing

19 the National Assembly s Standing Committee or the President of the country to announce an emergency case for timely responses. 9.2 National Committee for Seaching and Rescue The National Committee for Searching and Rescue (NCSR) was established according to the Prime Minister s decision No. 760/TTg dated 23 October This committee is chaired by a Vice Prime Minister who is assisted by four vice chairmen, of those a Vice Minister for National Defense should be the standing vice chairman. The committee also has four other members who are delegated to give guidance and organize efforts for searching and rescue of the human and means of transport attacked by natural disasters, and lives and property of individuals and the State in case of disasters; and to mobilize and coordinate various forces and facilities of the central ministries, agencies, provinces, organizations and individuals for timely searching and rescue, and beresponsible for their decisions in those cases. They are also expected to coordinate with regional countries to do searching and rescue; guide, supervise and monitor the central ministries and provinces compliance with the Government s regulations and those of the NCSR while searching, rescuing and recovering consequences of accidents; and promote international cooperation with the regional countries and international organizations in the field of searching and rescue. 9.3 Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control (CCFSC) The CCFSC was established by the Prime Minister. It is chaired by the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, assisted by the members who are in the most cases Vice Ministers of various ministries. The CCFSC s Standing Office is located in the Dike Management and Flood and Storm Control Department (under MARD). CCFSC has the following tasks and duties: urge and supervise the Ministries, agencies and provinces in preparation and implementation of annual plans and solutions for flood and storm control; make orders on mobilizing resources, including human, and other facilities for timely responses to emergency cases which go beyond the capacity of one ministry or province; guide the provinces to organize efforts for recovery from flood and storm consequences; organize reviews of results in the field of flood and storm control; communicate with the ministries and provinces on lessons of experience and information on advanced techniques and technologies for flood and storm control (refer to the CCFSC s organizational chart). 10. At the local levels Provincial, district and commune Committees for Flood and Storm Control These local level committees for flood and storm control are established by the People s Committees of the relevant level, and are responsible for assisting the People s Committees of the relevant level in preparing and guiding the implementation of solutions for flood and storm control within their territories. The local level committees for flood and storm control are also responsible for protecting structures of flood and storm control, economic zones and the local people from natural disasters; as well as for recovery of disaster consequences. Provincial Committees for Flood and Storm Control consist of a chairman, who is either the Chairman or a Vice Chairman of the provincial People s Committee; a standing vice

20 chairman who is the Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD); and members who are Directors or Deputy Directors of provincial Departments and agencies involved in the local efforts of flood and storm control. 11. Committees for Flood and Storm Control of various Ministries Committees for Flood and Storm Control of various Ministries are established by the heads of the ministries and are responsible for assisting the ministries leadership to: prepare and implement the ministries plans for flood, storm control and disaster mitigation; protect technical, physical facilities and human resources directly managed by the ministries; manage materials in stock and standby facilities for flood, storm control, responses and recovery in accordance with the given functions of the ministries; timely provide, upon the receipt of the CCFSC s orders, the technical materials and facilities managed by the ministries in order to respond and support on time in case of emergency, as well as to help in recovery from the disaster consequences; and learn lessons on storm and flood control so as to disseminate to the provinces and ministries agencies

21 Organizational chart for flood, storm control and natural disaster mitigation PRIME MINISTER MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR SEARCHING AND RESCU E CENTRAL COMMITTEE FOR FLOOD AND STORM CONTROL (CCFSC) CENTRAL MINISTRIES AND AGENCIES DIKE MANAGEMENT, FLOOD AND STORM CONTROL DEPT. STANDING OFFICE OF CCFSC COMMITTEES FOR FLOOD AND STORM CONTROL OF MINISTRIES PROVINCIAL/CITY PEOPLE S COMMITTEES PROVINCIAL DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT DAY RIVER FLOOD DIVERSION MANAGEMENT BOARD PROVINCIAL COMMITTEES FOR FLOOD AND STORM CONTROL LOCAL LEVELS DISTRICT COMMITTEES FOR FLOOD AND STORM CONTROL DISTRICT PEOPLE S COMMITTEES DISTRICT IRRIGATION DIVISIONS GRASSROOT LEVEL GRASSROOT LEVEL GRASSROOT LEVEL COMMUNE PEOPLE S COMMITTEES

22 Organizational chart of CCFSC CHAIRMAN (Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development) Vice Chairman (Ministry of National Defense) Standing Vice Chairman (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) Vice Chairman (Office of Government) Dep. Of Dike Management and Flood and Storm control (MARD) (Standing member) Logistics Dep (Min. of Public Security) (member) Ministry of Transport (member) Ministry of Finance (member) Ministry of Planning and Investment (member) Ministry of Construction (member) Ministry of Science and Technology (member) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (member) Ministry of Health (member) Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (member) Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (member) Ministry of Information and Communications (member) Television of Vietnam (member) Red Cross (member) Voice of Vietnam (member) Ministry of Trade (member) National Hydrometeorological Center (member)

23 B.III HYDRO-METEOROLOGICAL FORECASTING SYSTEM The hydro-meteorological system in Vietnam is primarily serving the objectives of natural disaster control, socio-economic development, and assurance of national defense and security. Hydro-meteorological information for the public benefit is posted on the mass media. Forecasts and warnings on such dangerous climatic phenomena as storms, typhoons, tropical pressures or floods, are provided in a timely manner to the CCFSC, the NCSR and the concerned local authorities and agencies, so that these bodies can organize and guide the people s efforts of preparedness and responses. 12. National Hydro-meteorological Center The National Hydro-meteorological Center under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment performs the function of carrying out baseline surveys and providing hydro-meteorological forecasts, air and water environment observations to facilitate the socio-economic development and national defense as well as security purposes nationwide. There are nine regional hydro-meteorological stations under this National Center Regional hydro-meteorological stations The regional hydro-meteorological stations are responsible for conducting baseline surveys, providing hydro-meteorological forecasts and carrying out environmental surveys to facilitate disaster prevention and control, socio-economic development, assurance of national defense and security within the provinces and areas of the respective region. The North West Regional Hydro-meteorological station is located in Son La town of Son La province, and is responsible for Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La and Hoa Binh provinces; Viet Bac Regional Hydro-meteorological station is located in Viet Tri city of Phu Tho province, and is responsible for Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho provinces; The North East Regional Hydro-meteorological station is located in Hai Phong city, and is responsible for Cao Bang, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh provinces and Hai Phong city; The Red River Delta Regional Hydro-meteorological station is located in Hanoi, and is responsible for Ha Tay, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh and Ninh Binh provinces and Hanoi city; The North Central Coast Regional Hydro-meteorological station is located in Vinh city of Nghe An province, and is responsible for Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces; The Central Coast Regional Hydro-meteorological station is located in Danang city, and is responsible for Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai provinces and Danang city;

24 The South Central Coast Regional Hydro-meteorological station is located in Nha Trang city, and is responsible for of Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan provinces; The Central Highlands Regional Hydro-meteorological station is located in Pleiku city, and is responsible for KonTum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong provinces; and The Southern Regional Hydro-meteorological station is located in Ho Chi Minh city, and is responsible for Dong Nai, Ba Ria Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Long An, Tien Giang, Hau Giang, Can Tho, Vinh Long, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Bac Lieu, An Giang, Kien Giang, Dong Thap, Soc Trang, Ca Mau provinces and Ho Chi Minh city Provincial Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Centers Every province has a hydro-meteorological forecasting center which directly reports to the relevant regional station. These forecasting centers are responsible for providing hydrological and meteorological forecasts to facilitate activities of natural disaster prevention and control, socio-economic development, and security assurance within the provinces. 13. Hydro-meteorological observatory network There are 168 stations for surface meteorological observations, and in addition, there are also 393 people s measuring points; For agro-meteorological observations, there are 27 regional stations; For aerological meteorological observations, there are three aerological obsesrvatory stations in Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh city. There are also seven stations for measuring wind by optic theodolite, and three stations for measuring the total ozone and ultraviolet radiation; For weather radar-based observations, there are six radar weather stations that have 8 radars to detect and monitor storms and other special weather phenomena; For hydrological observations, there are 231 hydrological stations, 88 water level self-recording and self-notifying stations, as well as 100 stations in tidal areas; For oceanographic meteorological observations, there are 17 oceanographic meteorological observatory stations and 01 oceanographic research ship; For satellite observations, there is a station in Hanoi that receives data from the GMS geostationary satellite and NOOA high resolution polar equatorial satellite imagery; For air and water environmental observations, there are 154 stations and measuring points. 14. The hydro-meteorological forecasting system at three levels: The central level: the Central hydro-meteorological forecasting center; The regional level: the Regional hydro-meteorological stations; and The provincial level: the Provincial hydro-meteorological centers

25 15. Types of forecasts Short term weather forecasts: daily weather forecasts are the most important and popular. The daily weather forecasts are broadcasted on the mass media (newspapers, radio, television); Forecasts on storms, tropical pressure and northeast wind: these forecasts are broadcasted according to particular provisions and many times a day; Hydrological forecasts: these forecasts are to predict the water level on major rivers and give warnings on possible floods on each river. They are broadcasted according to the Government-approved regulations; Marine hydro-meteorological forecasts: the coastline and adjacent areas are divided into different zones for the purpose of forecasting. The daily marine hydrometeorological forecasts are broadcasted on the Voice of Vietnam, the Television of Vietnam, and provincial radios and televisions; and Medium term and long term forecasts: medium and long term hydrometeorological forecasts (5 day period, 10 day period, monthly and seasonal) are provided to a certain number of agencies. 16. Information system The information system for the purpose of hydro-meteorological forecasts is established in the National Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Center. International information: through the Global Telecommunications System (GTS) of the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), the Vietnam National Hydrometeorological Forecasting Center connects with three international and regional centers which are namely in Bangkok (Thailand), Beijing (China) and Moscow (Russia). In addition, the National Center receives, through internet, meteorological information from the Chinese Meteorological Department, forecasting products of the Tokyo Meteorological Center (Japan), the European Medium term Forecasting Center, and others; Domestic information and communication system: this system uses a combination of wire-based and wireless information, WAN and MetTV satellite station. This system ensures the collection of information and data from hydro-meteorological stations and centers nationwide to the National Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Center. The system also provides information and forecasts from the National Center to the Regional Stations and some provincial forecasting centers. (source: B.IV RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES FOR FLOOD AND STORM WARNING 17. National Hydro-meteorological Center Establishes regular observations and immediately identifies weather and hydrological status, informs local agencies and authorities on storms and tropical depressions on the Eastern Sea (the South China Sea) as well as floods on the major river system; Sends bulletins on the storms, tropical depressions and floods to the concerned organizations according to the regulated procedures;

26 Guides and supervises the Regional Hydro-meteorological stations, the provincial Hydro-meteorological forecasting centers and other hydro-meteorological agencies to timely provide information on the storms, tropical depressions and floods to the provincial People s Committees and the Committees for Flood and Storm Control at all levels, as well as to the National and local Radios and Televisions, and the national and local daily newspapers. 18. CCFSC Receives from the National Hydro-meteorological Center the bulletins on the storms, tropical depressions and floods. On the basis of the latest bulletins, CCFSC makes decisions on appropriate measures to guide and manage its functions and duties; Provides new information on the storms, tropical depressions and floods so that the National Hydro-meteorological Center can update information on the status of the storms, tropical depressions and floods, as well as review and evaluate the forecasting efforts. 19. Voice of Vietnam (national broadcasting radio or VOV) When receiving bulletins on distant or nearby storms, tropical depressions or floods, the Voice of Vietnam will broadcast these bulletins at every two hours (i.e. at the beginning of every broadcasting program), and repeat them during the whole day on all of its channels until they are replaced by the more updated official news; When receiving bulletins on emergency typhoons, tropical depressions near the sea shorelines, fast floods, or official notes from the CCFSC, the Voice of Vietnam will immediately broadcast the bulletins or the official notes twice, and repeat them after every hour during the whole day on all of its channels, until the information is replaced by the more updated official news or until the CCFSC or the National Hydrometeorological Center requests to change the broadcasting time. 20. Television of Vietnam (national television or VTV) When receiving bulletins on distant or nearby storms, tropical depressions or floods, the Television of Vietnam will broadcast immediately these bulletins under the latest news programs on all of its channels; When receiving bulletins on emergency typhoons, tropical depressions near the sea shorelines, fast floods, or official notes from the CCFSC, the Television of Vietnam will immediately broadcast the bulletins or the official notes, and repeat them after every two hours during the whole day on all of its channels, until the information is replaced by the more updated official news or until the CCFSC or the National Hydrometeorological Center requests to change the broadcasting time. 21. National and local daily newspapers When receiving bulletins or official notes from the Committees of Flood and Storm Control at all levels, the national and local daily newspapers will immediately broadcast the news. 22. Ministry of Information and Communications Monitors closely and, when necessary, gives the top priority and coordinates with national news agencies (including the agencies under the Ministry of Information and Communications, and those under other ministries) to collect, receive and transmit

27 information on typhoons, tropical depressions and floods from the National Hydrometeorological Center. The Ministry of Information and Communications will also disseminate instructions of the CCFSC and provincial CFSCs to all levels, local agencies and authorities, all the ships offshore and the entire community, so as to have plans for disaster preparedness, responses and mitigation. 23. Provincial People s Committees and CFSCs Receive information on the storms, tropical depressions and floods that are provided by the regional hydro-meteorological stations, the provincial forecasting stations, and the regional hydro-meteorological agencies, as well as receive warnings and instructions of the CCFSC. Based on the specific contents of these warnings, instructions and information, the authorities in provinces and cities will expeditiously inform the local agencies, socio-economic organizations and local people on the status of the storms, tropical depressions and floods, as well as instructions for flood and storm control; Give guidance to provincial and local broadcasting radios and televisions to broadcast bulletins on the storms, tropical depressions and floods, as well as instructions from the CCFSC to all the levels in a timely and precise manner. 24. Central Ministries and agencies Upon the receipt of information on storms, tropical depressions and floods that are provided by the National Hydro-meteorological Center, the ministries and agencies shall: Transfer the information to their lower level agencies and units that are located in vulnerable areas so that they can prepare and implement preventive measures for mitigating the disaster consequences; Give guidance, supervise and review the efforts made by their subsidiary agencies and units to inform in a timely manner the ships offshore, managers and operators of irrigation schemes, warehouses, ports, etc. on the status of the storms, tropical depressions and floods so that they can prepare and implement preventive measures for mitigating the disaster consequences; Provide all the necessary support relating to information to the Ministry of Information and Communications and concerned agencies, and when necessary, authorize all the information agencies nationwide to act for the purpose of flood and storm warning. 25. Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Transport, MARD Upon the receipt of information on the storms, tropical depressions and floods, these Ministries shall organize and install signal posts at harbors and ports, on islands and at dike inspection stations; as well as give guidance and inspect the installation of signboards and signal lamps in those places, on the ships offshore or on the rivers; Install lighthouses and necessary equipment to transmit signals for warning on storms and tropical depressions; Closely coordinate with different levels of authorities to transmit warnings on storms or tropical depressions from all channels of coastal information stations to the ships offshore. (source:

28 B.V STATISTICAL SYSTEMS OF DISASTER DAMAGES AND LOSSES The information collection system for flood, storm control and disaster mitigation has been established and operated for many years. This system is uninterruptedly improved through different phases in order to meet the information demand, and increase the accuracy and timeliness of information for facilitating the decision making process. At present, Vietnam has many database systems the information of which is collected from and by many different sectors to serve the sector-level objectives. However, the statistical systems of the CCFSC and the General Statistics Office (GSO) are considered the formal systems, used for the state management in efforts on flood, storm control and disaster mitigation. 26. Current set of statistic data at CCFSC The CCFSC s synthetic set of data is a set of indicators on disaster damages and losses, used for facilitating decision making on disaster preparedness and responses. This set of indicators was established from the 1950s, and was improved, updated and completed through every stage. This set of indicators mainly gives statistic figures on damages and losses due to storms, floods and flash floods, and focuses on the data relating to emergency responses. The indicators are collected continuously once every day, or twice a day in some cases. The information is collected through reports of committees for flood and storm control, and reports of committees for search and rescue from communes, districts and provinces to their relevant higher levels. Types of collected information The statistic system collects data on damages and losses due to natural disasters, mostly water borne disasters such as floods, storms, flash floods, landslides, cyclones and hail storms. However, other types of disasters such as epidemics, earthquake, tsunami, etc. are not yet mentioned in detail. The information in the current system mostly focuses on direct damages of floods and storms, for example, losses of lives (number of deaths, injuries, missing people), damages of state and public assets (e.g. roads, bridges and sluices, schools, health stations, hospitals, etc.) and private assets (e.g. broken or collapsed houses, crop losses, etc.). Secondary information such as the risk of epidemics, water supply and sanitation etc. is not fully and concretely mentioned in questionnaires and information collection forms, though it may be referred to in some specific reports of some provinces. The information on natural disaster recovery needs is not yet collected by standardized forms, but mainly relies on reports of each province, depending on their specific situation and whether the information is available. This way of information collection may lead to the inaccuracy and inadequacy of the information. In addition, the information in the current forms and reports is mostly statistical and qualitative. Level of data collection Information is collected and reported by the flood and storm control network. This network covers from commune to central level and has a multidisciplinary structure