Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for urgent, proactive and coordinated measures to prevent, respond to and quickly remedy the impacts of severe flooding in the central region, stressing the need for maximum vigilance, determination and preparedness for worst-case scenarios.
In Official Dispatch No. 219/CD-TTg issued to the provinces and cities of Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong, along with ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, Government units and the Office of the National Civil Defence Steering Committee, the PM requested immediate implementation of essential actions to safeguard communities, with the protection of human life placed above all else.
Local authorities are required to mobilise military, police and other forces to reach isolated areas cut off by floods or landslides, ensure timely support for affected residents, and deliver food, essential goods and emergency aid. Evacuations must be organised promptly where necessary.
The directive also calls for continuous monitoring, early detection and warning of risks, and the proactive evacuation of people from hazardous zones, especially locations vulnerable to landslides, flash floods and deep flooding. Localities must prepare support measures to ensure safety, maintain order and protect property at evacuation sites.
Traffic control teams must be deployed to prevent travel through dangerous areas, particularly roads threatened by landslides or fast-flowing water. Authorities are asked to station personnel, equipment and supplies in areas at high risk of being isolated, and prepare plans to replenish goods if prolonged disruptions occur.
The PM stressed the need to promptly support families affected by the disaster, provide temporary housing for those who have lost their homes, ensure food, necessities, clean water, electricity and telecommunications, maintain environmental hygiene and disease control, and guarantee schooling for students and medical services for residents. Economic and production activities should resume as soon as conditions allow.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is assigned to continue close monitoring and forecasting of rainfall, flooding and landslide risks, provide timely updates to authorities and the public, oversee disaster prevention efforts, and guide localities in restoring agricultural production following the floods.
The Ministries of National Defence and Public Security are directed to mobilise the highest possible level of personnel, vehicles and equipment to support evacuation efforts, flood and landslide response, and assist residents and businesses in recovering from the disaster.
Widespread heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, including strong local downpours following prolonged rains in October and early November, has caused extensive flooding in urban and low-lying areas. Numerous landslides have been recorded, particularly in Da Nang and Khanh Hoa. As of the evening of November 17, floods and landslides had resulted in 12 people dead or missing and 19 injured./.
