Enterprises join hands to minimize natural disaster risks

The seminar on strengthening the participation of enterprises in natural disaster mitigation in Việt Nam’s central region was held on October 21 in Đà Nẵng by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Việt Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), and the Assistance Fund for Central Region Natural Disaster Prevention and Fight.

At the seminar, the VCCI and the Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening public-private partnership in natural disaster prevention and mitigation in Việt Nam.

The memorandum of understanding shows the commitment of the business community to foster prevention and mitigation of natural disaster risks.

According to the ADPC, Việt Nam, which annually faces 12 types of natural disasters, mainly floods and storms, has made great progress in coping with natural disasters, especially natural disaster prevention and relief, and adaptation to climate change. The achievements are mainly attributed to the Government’s mobilization of all sources to prevent and fight natural disasters.

On average, 646 people died or went missing each year due to natural disasters in the 1990 – 1999 period. Ten years later, the number decreased to 463.

According to the US Agency for International Development, 60% of Vietnamese enterprises incurred losses after each natural disaster, of which 5% suffer from extremely severe losses, 30% heavy losses.

If all enterprises join hands to minimize impacts of natural disasters, there will be very great resource for reconstruction after natural disasters occur.

All interviewed enterprises said they participate in natural disaster relief.

After 3 years of operation, the Assistance Fund for Central Region Natural Disaster Prevention and Fight has mobilized nearly VND100 billion for construction of 47 public works and provision of food, foodstuffs, and essential goods to people in natural disaster-hit areas.

By Ngọc Vân