A tree fell on a taxi in Hàng Chiếu Street, Hà Nội on May 29, 2022, after a strong storm. The country is forecast to face fewer storms and tropical depressions in 2023. - VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI – Việt Nam is forecast to have fewer storms and tropical depressions in 2023 than in previous years, according to the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration.

The Vietnam Disaster Management Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) said up to 1,057 natural disasters hit the country last year, leaving 175 dead and causing economic losses of some VNĐ19.5 trillion (US$828.55 million).

MARD Minister Lê Minh Hoan, who is also deputy head of the Standing Committee of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, said to reduce risks and damage, authorities should develop appropriate strategies and warning maps, perform forest protection, and control investment in construction projects for climate change.

They should also ensure the quality of early warnings and forecasting to proactively prevent and minimise damage.

To improve forecasting, the hydrometeorological sector has extended the time limit for weather forecasting and warning for natural disasters to 10 days.

Seasonal forecasting period has also been extended. The sector has a newsletter identifying natural disasters, issued twice a year.

Forecasts for storms and tropical depressions are issued three or five days in advance, forecasts for heavy rain two or three days, and warnings for thunderstorms are released from 30 minutes to two hours in advance. Severe cold spells are forecast five to seven days in advance. - VNS