Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Ha Noi, Nov. 14 (VNA) -- Viet Nam's efforts in natural disaster control has won the country the UN special certificate of merit.

The Central Flood and Storm Control Committee (CFSCC) was presented the UN Sasakawa certificate for its achievements in tackling the various calamities which have hit Viet Nam this year.

A presentation ceremony was held in Ha Noi on Nov. 13 in the presence of Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Head of CFSCC Steering Board Le Huy Ngo, and UNDP Resident Representative Edouard Wattez.

Addressing the function, Vice President Binh said he highly appreciated the UN's invaluable assistance to Viet Nam and acclaimed the CFSCC for its role as a State advisor on preventing and fighting natural calamities, and overcoming their aftermath to stabilize residents' lives and production.

In her speech, the Vice President further said the State would work out a framework for restricting the impact of natural calamities and also devise specific strategies for each natural disaster-prone area.

During the last three years, natural calamities have occured all over the country.

In early November 1997, tropical storm Linda sank many fishing vessels in the southern sea area, robbing thousands of fishermen of their lives.

Between November and December last year, two severe floods occured in the central coastal provinces, inundating the area and causing major damage.

This year, the worst floods for 70 years hit Mekong delta provinces, causing great losses in lives and property.--