Thuyloi University Explores Disaster Risk Cooperation with Delegation from Spiesen-Elversberg and htw saar (Germany)

On the afternoon of 6 November 2026, Thuyloi University (TLU) welcomed a delegation from the Municipality of Spiesen-Elversberg and Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar), Germany, together with a representative of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The two sides shared research findings and practical applications in flood management, landslides and early warning, and discussed opportunities for future cooperation.

The German delegation comprised Ms. Rike Agnes Rumpp, Project Management and Central Coordination, Municipality of Spiesen-Elversberg; Mr. Andreas Biehler, Operational Director of the Competence Centre for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management (KoK²) at htw saar; and a GIZ expert. Representing TLU were Assoc. Prof. Dinh Nhat Quang, Deputy Head of the Department of Science, Technology and International Cooperation; Assoc. Prof. Tran Thanh Tung, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering; Assoc. Prof. Hoang Thanh Tung, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Water Resources Engineering; and lecturers and researchers, including German-trained alumni, from the relevant departments.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dinh Nhat Quang welcomed the delegation on behalf of the University and introduced TLU and the participants. Members of the delegation then introduced themselves and outlined the purpose of their visit.

Mr. Andreas Biehler presented an overview of htw saar, a university of applied sciences founded in 1946 with around 6,200 students, 118 professors and five competence centres. KoK² was established in December 2024, building on a Water Research Group active since 2015. Its mission is to connect science and technology with practice and to protect people, the environment and infrastructure in the face of climate change.

The highlight of the presentation was KliGAS (Klimagefahrenabwehrsystem), Saarland’s climate hazard defence system. Launched in the wake of the 2024 Whitsun flood, it has become a flagship early warning project in Germany. Phase 1 established a control system based on Delft-FEWS that integrates monitoring and forecast data, enabling automated monitoring and communication to users. Phase 2 aims at a holistic early warning system that forecasts flood extent, depth and flow velocity, and incorporates other hazards such as landslides and wildfires.

Mr. Andreas Biehler presents the KliGAS system

The delegation also shared other KoK² activities, including statewide heavy-rainfall hazard maps, flood risk assessments for critical infrastructure such as wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations and water and power networks, risk visualisation tailored to different user groups, the Digital Water Twin platform, research on landslide hazards and early warning, a training programme for civil protection advisors, and the “Flood Pass” for building owners.

TLU representatives in turn presented the University’s research on disaster risk reduction. Highlights included the Vietnam–New Zealand Dam Safety Programme, implemented in three phases since 2012 with partners GNS Science, Damwatch and VNCOLD and funded by the New Zealand Government. They also presented the SATREPS project (2026–2030), proposed by TLU with Japanese partners Gunma University, Tokyo City University, Saitama University and JICA, which will develop an integrated risk assessment and digitalised community-based early warning system for landslides and debris flows in Hue. A third example was the completed flood warning system for river basins in Quang Tri Province (former Quang Binh area). It provides online warnings and alerts via the FloodGuard QuangBinh mobile app, and serves as a foundation for river-basin and urban flood studies in Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hue, Can Tho and Ca Mau.

TLU representatives present the University’s research and projects on disaster risk reduction

The presentations and discussion showed that the two sides’ expertise is closely aligned, particularly in disaster risk assessment and hazard mapping tools. On this basis, both parties explored potential areas of cooperation, including student exchange, joint research and project development, and capacity building in risk assessment and early warning through training, consultancy and technology transfer. They also discussed linking TLU’s expertise with the delegation’s activities in Cao Bang Province, including the potential application of KliGAS and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure in mountainous areas.

TLU scientists take part in the discussion

The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts and a group photo. The visit gave both sides a clearer picture of each other’s strengths and laid the groundwork for future collaboration in climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.

TLU representatives present souvenirs to the delegation