Hanoi (VNS/VNA) — The ongoing intense heatwaves acrossthe country are not only adversely affecting people’s health but also causinghigh risks of wildfires.
Multiple forest fires have been reported between mid-May and earlyJune in various localities.
According to the National Centre for HydrometeorologicalForecasting (NCHMF), due to the influence of the El Nino phenomenon, there willbe more intense heatwaves, with a higher number of sunny days than the previousyears’ average, along with abnormal fluctuations.
The combination of blazing heat and a lack of rainfall increasesthe risk of wildfires in many areas, leading to damage to forests, theenvironment, and affecting people’s health, properties and livelihoods.
NCHMF director Mai Van Khiem said that starting from mid-June, theaverage temperature is expected to be higher than that of previous years byaround 0.5-1 degrees Celsius.
Since the beginning of summer this year, forest protection forceshave been on high alert, maintaining round-the-clock checkpoints, increasingpatrols, conducting awareness campaigns, and implementing fire prevention andfirefighting measures.
In order to enhance urgent measures for forest fire prevention,Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had issued a directive on May 22, requiringlocalities to strengthen inspections and monitor of wildfire prevention andcontrol.
This is considered a top priority in which complacency,negligence, and lack of vigilance are strictly prohibited.
The directive calls for the establishment of dedicated task forcesand assigning patrols on standby around the clock throughout the dry season andhot days.
Authorities should also monitor, supervise and provide guidance onsetting fires near and in forest areas, especially with people burningvegetation for cultivation.
The PM also assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and RuralDevelopment to lead forest fire prevention and control nationwide. In the caseof forest fire, authorities must be present for firefighting management.
In addition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Commissionfor the Management of State Capital at Enterprises and the Vietnam Electricity(EVN) are also required to cooperate with localities to ensure the safety ofthe national electric grid./.