Economic losses caused by natural disasters in Vietnam during 2008-2012 accounted for 1.5% of the country’s GDP, up 0.5% compared to the figure reported in the 2003-2007 period.
The damage was estimated at VND74 trillion (US$3.5 billion) during 2008-2012, according to the Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Deputy Chairman of the Committee Hoang Van Thang attributed the increased damage value to poor implementation of infrastructure construction plans to mitigate natural disasters.

According to the committee, standards for building infrastructure in flood-and-storm prone areas have been issued but failed to adapt to climate change, causing a negative impact on the areas.

Nguyen Xuan Dieu, a member of the Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control, said road construction in some localities has not taken account of dykes and drainage systems and vice versa.

For example, dyke systems in the provinces of Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Phu Tho and Vinh Phuc have been broadened to serve demands, he said.

The committee warned that the provinces would face serious consequences due to climate change unless they finish their dykes as scheduled.