WB helps Vietnam cope with urban flood risks

The World Bank (WB) said on February 14 that it will continue to support Vietnam in controlling and coping with flood risks through loans, technical assistance and input analysis .

Flooding scene in An Giang

WB stressed that Vietnam is at high risk of natural disasters, including floods, and rapid urbanization in Vietnam has led to urban flood risks. New handbook with the theme: "City and flooding: A guide to integrated urban flood risk management for the 21st century" issued by the World Bank has proposed a number of policy priorities to control risks. flood engines in many countries, including Vietnam.

The Vietnam Socio-Economic Strategy for the period 2011-2020 together with the Socio-Economic Development Plan for the period of 2011-2015 shows the vision of progress towards a typical modern industrial society. through the process of urbanization.

The pressures of economic growth and rapid urbanization in the context of global climate change have placed urban people at high risks of natural disasters. This situation underscores the urgent need of building a flood risk management system in line with the regular planning process of cities.

WB noted that since 2009, Vietnam has started implementing the 12-year National Program entitled "Community-based disaster risk management program" , with the target audience of about 6,000 vulnerable communes and districts. vulnerability in urban and rural areas.

The World Bank supported USD 161 million for the Disaster Risk Management Project to strengthen early warning systems as well as the infrastructure used to mitigate natural disasters. The bank also invested an additional $ 75 million in 2010 for post-disaster reconstruction work.