HA NOI-The EU pledged further financial aid for modern software databases to help Viet Nam with disaster prevention and search and rescue at a conference in Ha Noi yesterday.
The 100 domestic and international representatives who attended affirmed that the software databases, located in the capital city and Thua Thien Hue, are very useful in digitizing maps that illustrate the shallow and deep levels of flooded areas. The databases also store valuable information that allows rescue forces to react quickly and appropriately to the disaster.

The 400,000 euro project, sponsored by France’s National Institute for Geography, the EU and the National Committee for Search and Rescue in Viet Nam (VINASARCOM), also aims at developing a pilot programme using geographic information system (GIS) technologies for search and rescue activities in the country.

An official from VINASARCOM said the project would be extended nation-wide if it is effectively implemented in these two localities.  - VNS