Scene at the Typhoon Committee's 50th session(Photo: kinhtedothi.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – The TyphoonCommittee (TC) convened its 50th session in Hanoi on February 28.
Established in 1968, the TC is aninter-governmental body organised under the joint auspices of the UnitedNations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and theWorld Meteorological Organisation (WMO). It aims to promote and coordinate theplanning and implementation of measures required for minimising the loss of lifeand material damage caused by typhoons in Asia and the Pacific.
The four-day event is set to feature areview of typhoons in 2017, reports by hydrometeorology working groups, anupdate on the TC’s action strategy for 2017 – 2021, and discussions on policybuilding for regional member countries to mitigate storm risks and damage.
The TC took the occasion to honour nations,meteorological forecast centres, and individuals, which have contributedsignificantly to its operation to date. The Vietnam HydrometeorologicalForecast Centre was awarded the TC’s Kintanar Award.
At the event, Minister of Natural Resourcesand Environment Tran Hong Ha said the committee plays an increasing importantrole in supporting regional member countries in reducing human and asset lossescaused by natural disasters.
Kaveh Zahedi, UESCAP Deputy ExecutiveSecretary, stressed the committee is a visionary initiative to develop actionframeworks.-VNA
Storm surge was the main topic of a workshop jointly held in Hanoi on November 15 by the Typhoon Committee and the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.
2017 was an eventful year for international cooperation at the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), helping the centre improve its severe weather forecasting capacity and heighten its role in natural disaster prevention and mitigation globally.
Participants to a conference in Hanoi on February 26-27 agreed on the need for countries worldwide in general and Vietnam in particular to enhance weather forecast capacity by embracing new technology.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
Scene at the Typhoon Committee's 50th session(Photo: kinhtedothi.vn) 
