Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired an urgent meeting early on October 29 to direct response and recovery efforts in the face of severe and widespread flooding in central localities.
The meeting was held in person at the Government headquarters in Hanoi and connected online with the frontline command centre based in Hue city. Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha attended the meeting from Hue, together with leaders of ministries, agencies, and affected localities.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the historic floods have submerged 32 out of 40 communes and wards in Hue, impacting 35,000 households, while Da Nang has seen over 75,000 households inundated. Hydropower reservoirs have been operated to reduce floodwater downstream, with the A Vuong reservoir cutting 451 million cubic metres and the Song Bung 4 reservoir reducing 327 million cubic metres for downstream areas.
The Government and the PM had issued early and urgent directions, demanding localities and agencies take timely and efficient action in response to the floods. Over 7,000 households, or about 21,000 residents, have been evacuated from flooded and landslide-prone areas. However, as heavy rains continue, PM Chinh urged provinces and cities to stay on high alert and strictly follow the instructions outlined in the PM's dispatches.
Reporting from Hue, Deputy PM Ha said local authorities have responded promptly, supported by accurate forecasts. The armed forces have played a proactive role in rescue and evacuation operations from the outset. Despite large-scale flooding, local authorities and communities have been working tirelessly to support affected residents.
The Cu De River in Da Nang city is in full spate. (Photo: VNA)
After listening to reports, PM Chinh stressed that this is one of the most severe rain and flood events ever recorded in the central region, with rainfall reaching unprecedented levels in several areas. He commended the early and active response by ministries, sectors, and local authorities but said stronger efforts are needed to ensure timely information, reporting, and implementation of measures to protect people’s lives and property.
The PM ordered ministries, sectors, and localities to fully comply with his directives, continue emergency response and recovery efforts, and quickly assess and report on preliminary damage to the Politburo, the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, and authorised agencies.
He requested local governments to promptly visit and support affected families, especially those with deceased or missing members, and provide all necessary assistance.
“By all means, we must reach isolated areas and ensure people have food, drinking water, and essential supplies. No one should be left hungry or cold,” he emphasised.
PM Chinh instructed that two tonnes of dry food be delivered immediately to Hue, with Military Region 5 coordinating transportation. The armed forces were ordered to continue relief delivery to flooded and isolated communities.
The Ministry of National Defence, Military Region 5, and the Ministry of Public Security were asked to mobilise personnel and equipment for disaster response. The Ministriy of Agriculture and Environment and the Minsitry of Health were directed to ensure adequate food, clean water, and medical supplies for residents. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Science and Technology were assigned to restore power and telecommunications services as soon as possible to keep people informed.
The Government leader also called for immediate planning to restore normal life once floodwaters recede, including reopening schools, hospitals, and public service centres.
To support recovery, PM Chinh asked ministries and the banking system to implement relief policies on tax, credit, and insurance for flood-hit residents and businesses.
The Ministry of Finance was tasked with immediately allocating 150 billion VND (5.7 million USD) to support Hue city. Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha will continue to oversee on-site operations and report directly to the PM./.
