As part of the ongoing US Navy-led Pacific Partnership 2016 (PP16) in Da Nang, a seminar entitled ‘Collaborative Disaster Preparedness and Response’ is taking place in the city.

The seminar in progress (Photo: Internet)

The 3-day event, which concludes tomorrow, has been jointly organised by the US Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), the Da Nang People’s Committee (PC), and the Vietnamese National Committee for Search and Rescue.

The event is being attended by representatives from Viet Nam, the USA, and PP16 partner countries.

The seminar’s focus is on discussing and sharing experiences amongst the participants on how to respond to natural disasters.  The roles of disaster response forces at national and local levels, and the scenario of a field-training practice, which is scheduled to be held in the city on 26 July, are also being presented. 

In his speech at yesterday’s opening ceremony, PC Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh remarked, “Top priority has been given to enhancing the city’s search and rescue training activities, as well as its natural disaster preparedness and mitigation work, because my city has experienced numerous floods and strong storms over recent years”.

Mr Minh added, “The seminar will help my city to better cope with natural disasters and reduce their impacts.  It will also help to boost the bilateral friendship and cooperation with the USA”.

The seminar’s chief coordinator, Ashley Woodson from NPS, remarked “This is the 2^nd year that this event has been held in the city.  This year’s seminar agenda has been created based on experience drawn from last year’s event”.