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Natural
disasters — particularly typhoons and floods, but also tropical
storms, droughts, landslides, forest fires, and occasional earthquakes
— pose a significant obstacle to sustainable development,
poverty reduction and environmental preservation in Viet Nam.
In 1999, natural disasters claimed more than 800 lives and US$300
million in property damage. In 1997, Typhoon Linda claimed nearly
3,000 lives in poor fishing villages along the southern coast.
Three consecutive years of flooding in the Mekong River Delta
killed nearly 1,000 people, mainly children. |
For
15 years, UNDP has been working closely with the Government, local
communities and international partners to help prepare and respond
to disasters, as well as bridge the gap between emergency relief
and long-term development. UNDP brings its global network of experience
and expertise to help break the cycle of poverty and natural disasters.
Where previously UNDP had provided primarily technical support
and coordination, UNDP now also supports Government planning and
preparation for disaster response and mitigation. Using innovative
approaches and the latest technology, it promotes participation
and empowerment of local communities to prevent, prepare and manage
disasters. (...)
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information |
