Japan helps Vietnam strengthen flood warning capacity

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has actively cooperated with and supported the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration (VNMHA) to improve its capacity in weather forecasting technology and flood early warning system.

To improve capacity, it's important to promote the use of information for regional disaster prevention in cooperation with related organizations, stated Mr. Naoyuki Hasegawa, former Director General of the Japan Meteorological Agency, at "Using Hydro-Meteorological Information for Disaster Risk Reduction in Vietnam" held in Hanoi on October 3. 

He highlighted the role of national meteorological and hydrological services in disaster risk reduction, sharing Japan's experience in developing techniques and improving the effectiveness of forecasting and warning activities.

The event is part of the "Strengthening Capacity in Weather Forecasting and Flood Early Warning System" project implemented by JICA and VNMHA. 

Hasegawa Naoyuki, former director general of the Japan Meteorological Agency, delivered a keynote speech at the seminar. Photo: JICA

The project has been implemented from 2018 to 2023, and this is the last seminar organized within its scope.

After five years, the project has contributed to strengthening the capacity of VNMHA in maintaining and improving the traceability of meteorological observation equipment, analyzing the statistics and controlling the quality of radar, forecasting/warning of heavy rain and typhoons, and disseminating meteorological information.

JICA will actively work with the Government and people of Japan to cooperate with and support VNMHA in improving forecasting capacity, thus contributing to the goal of developing Vietnam's hydro-meteorological services to meet the needs of socio-economic development, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

For his part, Tran Quang Nang, Deputy Head of the Department of Hydro-Meteorological Forecast Management under VNMHA, gave a presentation on "The Current Status of Hydro-Meteorological Forecast for Disaster Risk Reduction Activities in Vietnam and Future Orientation" and Bui Hai Binh, Director of the Center for Weather, Vietnam Television, gave a presentation on "Natural Disaster Information Communication in the Context of Climate Change and Prospects of Cooperation between the Media Agency (VTV) and VNMHA in the 4.0 Era".

On the same day, an early warning system for thunderstorms, lightning, and floods was launched by the VNMHA at a ceremony to mark the 78th anniversary of the sector. The system automatically integrates data from many weather stations and will provide early information for forecasting dangerous meteorological and weather phenomena that may affect the community.

Landslides caused by flash floods in Vietnam's northern province of Thai Nguyen killed three people in early June 2022. Photo: baothainguyen.vn

"Over the past 78 years, the sector has made efforts to apply advanced technologies to improve its forecasting ability, thus contributing to the prevention and control of natural disasters and ensuring the nation's defense and security," said Tran Hong Thai, Director General of VNMHA.

At the event, the VNMHA and the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation signed a cooperation agreement under which the two sides will work together to strengthen meteorological and hydrological activities, improve the quality of weather forecasts for flight zones, and establish a support mechanism in case of natural disasters, among other activities.