Week 10: Extreme Weather
Vietnam’s Battle with Extreme Weather: Rising Threats and Resilient Solutions With more frequent and severe extreme weather occurrences, Vietnam is among the most climate-vulnerable nations in Southeast Asia. The country's lengthy coastline, thick river deltas, and rugged topography make it a hotspot for natural disasters, from destructive typhoons to heatwaves that break records. Important Risks of Extreme Weather A. Typhoons and Flooding Frequency: According to the World Bank (2023), Vietnam experiences 8–10 tropical storms annually, with the strength of these storms increasing as the seas warm. Effect: Typhoon Molave in 2020 destroyed 90,000 dwellings and killed over 130 people (UNDP, 2021). Floods in Central Vietnam in 2023: 1.5 million people were displaced (IFRC, 2023). B. Droughts and Heatwaves Record Temperatures: The hottest temperature ever recorded in Northern Vietnam was 44°C (111°F) in 2023 (Vietnam Meteorological Agency, 2023). Mekong Delta Droughts: Every year, more ...