To respond to the situation, SRD conducted needs assessments to prepare for the project "Community-based Natural Disaster Risk Management and Mitigation" in the two communes. The project gathered and analyzed information collected from the communities to identify the problems faced by the local people, the resources available to them, and their needs in relation to natural disaster risk management and climate change adaptation. It was found that 50% of the 2010 summer harvest of sticky rice in Huong Phong commune was lost due to prolonged heavy rain, while in Hai Duong commune, giant tiger prawn farming failed continuously from 2001 to 2008 because of changing weather, higher rainfall and salt water intrusion.

The results of the needs assessments helped us develop the objectives and activities for our interventions on community-based natural disaster risk management. Project activities included strengthening the communes' rapid response team, training on natural disaster preparedness, installing early warning systems, and experimenting with models on seedlings and breeding techniques which are resistant to floods and abnormally high tides. Local people were also provided with information on natural disasters in order to better prepare and adapt to the impacts of climate change.