Emergencies and humanitarian action

A picture of a flood in the Vietnamese capital Ha Noi
Ha V. Nhu
A flash flood in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi

Viet Nam is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. With a coastline stretching 3,440km, combined with a diverse and complex topography, Viet Nam suffers many different types of natural hazards. These are both hydro-meteorological (such as floods, storms, droughts and heavy rainfall) and geophysical (such as landslides and to a lesser extent, earthquakes). More than 70% of the population is estimated to be exposed to risks from such hazards. Besides recurrent impacts on human health, such hazards affect multiple sectors, including agriculture, industry, energy and education.

General information

Partners and links

Publications and documents

Rapid health assessment protocols for emergencies

  • The Sphere handbook
    Sphere handbook on humanitarian charter and minimum standards in humanitarian response

Latest news and press releases

Highlighted publications

World health statistics 2013
  • World Health Statistics 2013
    World Health Statistics 2013 contains WHO’s annual compilation of health-related data for its 194 Member States, and includes a summary of the progress made towards achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and associated targets.
Global report on the status of road safety 2013
  • Global status report on road safety 2013
    The Global status report on road safety 2013 presents information on road safety from 182 countries, accounting for almost 99% of the world’s population. The report indicates that worldwide the total number of road traffic deaths remains unacceptably high at 1.24 million per year.
  • Atlas of health and climate
    The Atlas of health and climate is a product of this unique collaboration between the meteorological and public health communities. It provides sound scientific information on the connections between weather and climate and major health challenges.
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