Experience of urban development and climate change adaptation in Da Nang city

Lessons from the urbanization process of Hoa Tien and Hoa Chau communes, Hoa Vang district

This report is a synthesis of relevant studies in Da Nang, Vietnam, which aimed to improve understanding of the impact of extreme rainfall events and flooding on urban development. The research demonstrates that with the prospect of climate change, the intensity and frequency extreme rainfall events is likely to increase in Da Nang and surrounding areas. This report recommends the restoration of natural ecosystems and the preservation and protection low-lying areas and buffer zones along rivers for emergency flood retention.

Urban development in floodway and low-lying areas has worsened flooding in areas already susceptible to flooding in Da Nang and Quang Nam. Flooding will affect Da Nang’s reputation and future land price, at the same time posing major costs to the local government for urban infrastructure damage restoration. Local businesses and people living in floodplains will also suffer increases in flood damages and recovery costs. Traditional practices in urban planning, infrastructure design and the use of filling standards that are based on historical flood experience and data will pose major challenges in the face of future hazards.