Diversity in Post-Disaster Residential and Livelihoods Responses in the Northern Highlands of Vietnam: The Case of Tung Chin Village, Trinh Tuong Commune, Bat Xat District, Lao Cai Province

Abstract

In 2008, a historical flash flood caused many deaths and swept away more than twenty houses of the Red Dao people in Tung Chin village (Lao Cai province). Based on ethnographic research and holistic perspective in anthropology, this article analyses the process of changing places of residence and of adjusting livelihoods of local people after the event. The research results show four main trends in post-flood migration, including: staying in the same resettlement areas, moving to higher ground, going down to lower land and moving to another locations. Our research indicates that the decisions of local people to choose a place to live after floods are always linked to livelihood opportunities and strategies as well as influenced by lifestyle characteristics, customs and culture. This connection has been evident in the life and migration process of the Red Dao people for long time. Findings of this research suggest that, policies and programs to support relocation and resettlement in order to reduce the community's risks with natural disasters in general and flash floods in particular, need to take into account the characteristics of livelihoods and customs, culture in each locality and of each population group.