Analyzing Flood Fatalities in Vietnam Using Statistical Learning Approach and National Disaster Database

Floods and storms have had a severe impact on the people of Vietnam over many years, particularly regarding an unacceptably high death toll. However, it still lacks studies on flood-related fatalities in Vietnam. This research aims to explore flood fatalities on a national scale and analyze damage-influencing attributes related to flood fatalities using the national disaster database of Vietnam and statistical learning approach. Records covering 27 years from 1989 to 2015 indicate at least 14,927 flood mortalities in Vietnam. The analysis results of statistical learning methods show that housing impact factor has the most considerable influence on flood fatalities. The results can provide implications for housing policies for the poor in flood-prone areas. The objective of reduction in mortality in disasters is under Goal 11 of Sustainable Development Goals.