Some epidemiological characteristics of natural disasters in Viet Nam during 2002 – 2011

Abstract

This report is based on the analysis of available data included in the database of the Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control (CCFSC) to describe some epidemiological characteristics of natural disasters in Vie Nam from 2002 to 2011. Results: from 2002-2011, a total of 436 natural disasters, including 245 cyclones (56.2%), 93 flash floods (21.3%), 53 floods (12.2%), 36 typhoons (8.3%) and 9 others were reported. Flash floods occurred more regularly in the mountainous provinces of Northern Vietnam (72%). Thirty-three percent of tornado occurred in April; 46.2% of flash floods occurred in July; 48.6% of typhoons occurred in September; and 51.8% of floods occurred in October and November. It was difficult to identify the trends of natural disasters, due to the incomplete and/or non-detail information reported in the database. Therefore, recording and reporting system should be improved. Recording and reporting templates should be applied throughout the country. Studies on the epidemiology of disasters should be carried out in various regions across the country.