Improving dam and downstream community safety in Vietnam

New dam development is underway in many developing countries but there is increasing recognition that existing dams are not being maintained adequately, and dam operators lack training and resources for their roles, particularly in emergencies. An initiative to address these concerns with a whole of river basin approach to risk reduction has been underway in Vietnam since 2012. Guidelines have been prepared for identifying the natural hazards affecting dams, determining the consequences of unplanned releases including dam failure, and improving coordination and disaster risk management. The evidence gathered using this methodology will be of great use to dam operators, officials and non-government agencies involved in dam management and disaster risk management at community level.