The letter runs as follows:

“Over the past few years, natural disasters have hit most continents around the world, causing huge losses of human life and property for many nations. Storms and earthquakes with a terrible destructive power have claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands people and destroyed tens thousands of houses.

Vietnam is one of the countries suffering the strongest impacts of natural disasters and climate change. Flash floods, tidal surges and powerful storms have occurred more frequently, causing greater losses and badly affecting the country’s socio-economic life.

In the first quarter of this year, our country has faced abnormal weather with widespread hot spells which have reduced water levels in rivers and streams to very low levels, negatively affecting people’s lives and production, particularly agriculture.

Natural disasters will continue to become more complex with unforeseeable developments. All sectors and all people across the country should be vigilant and active and brace themselves for every possible bad weather situation in order to successfully implement targets for socio-economic development in 2010 and the following years.”

To mark the 64^th anniversary of the Traditional Day for Natural Disaster Control and Mitigation, President Nguyen Minh Triet urges all people and local committees tasked with flood and storm prevention and control to work hand in hand to tackle the issue in 2010.