Assessment of the Household’s Flood Social Vulnerability in Vietnam’s Mekong River Delta

Abstract

Flooding is a natural phenomenon that occurs annually from September to October in Vietnam’s Mekong River Delta (MRD). However, its trend is becoming more destructive and unpredictable in recent years, which tends to threaten people’s livelihood, properties, and health. This study attempted to examine the flood vulnerability among households in 14 districts of the delta. The analysis helped identify communities that were subjected to floods and needed more attention in disaster management. People in the MRD had remarkably low exposure, which was the result of investment in water structures. About 59.2 % of the surveyed households were moderately vulnerable to flooding. Families in O Mon, Thanh Binh, Cai Be, and Cho Lach district had the highest vulnerability indices. The most significant indicators to explain the flood-prone state were rice-related indicators, elderly dependency ratios, and social capital. The study suggested that plans to reduce flood vulnerability should focus on the family’s adaptability because it had the largest impacts.