Region bands together to beat floods

Experts from ASEAN countries met in Ha Noi this week, discussing ways to make their nations less vulnerable to flood disasters.

The seminar was held by Viet Nam's Ministry of Public Security and France's Ministry of Interior.


Officials from fire and rescue squads in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and other ASEAN nations stressed the need for strong training and good equipment when facing flood crises. They also exchanged ideas on the efficient use of flood control services. This is especially valuable, they agreed, as the region is facing the impacts of climate change.

French experts described their own successes with flood risk management.

Representatives from Airbus Helicopters, Systel SA, Gimaex and other French firms also presented their civil security services to assist rescue work, including helicopters and vehicles for research and rescue, and communications and warning network.

A seminar focused on civil safety and security equipment will be held in September in Ha Noi. Among the participants, French enterprises specialising in supplying equipment for disaster prevention, and search and rescue operations are expected to attend.