PM orders swift actions to deal with flooding consequences
VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on June 10 signed an official dispatch asking relevant agencies and localities to concentrate on dealing with consequences of floods and natural disasters in northern mountainous and midland areas.
From June 8-10, due to the influence of the tropical depression combined with the low vortex, torrential rains ranging from 40-120mm has recorded in some northern localities.
Notably, rainfall of 150-300mm was seen in Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city, 100-250mm in Ha Giang province, and even up to 428mm in some localities of Ha Giang such as Quang Ngan commune of Vi Xuyen district.
Downpours have caused flooding on the upstream Lo River in Ha Giang and Gam River in Cao Bang, killing three people and leaving others missing. Water levels on Lai Chau, Hoa Binh and Tuyen Quang hydropower reservoirs has been higher than those in the same period last year. Some areas in Ha Giang, Uong Bi, Ha Long and Hai Phong city have suffered serious flooding, hindering transport and affecting people’s production and daily activities. The Government leader extended his deep condolences to the victims' families.
According to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, over the next few days, torrential rains will continue in northern mountainous and midland areas with a high risk of flash floods and landslides. Flood waters are also forecast to increase in Thao, Da and Lo river basins.
In the face of this situation, the cabinet leader asked the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue, Ministers and the Chairpersons of the People’s Committees of localities to focus on resolving the consequences of the recent flooding as fast as possible, stabilizing people’s lives, while actively taking measures to respond to natural disasters.
The chairpersons of the People’s Committee of Ha Giang and centrally-run cities and provinces in northern mountainous and midland regions were urged to mobilize forces to search for the missing and provide treatment for the injured, and support affected families.
They were asked to keep a close watch on the flooding developments for timely response, while evacuating people from risky areas to safer places, thereby ensuring safety for locals.
He asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to provide full and timely forecasts and warnings to relevant agencies, while asking the Ministry of Transport to ensure smooth traffic in affected areas.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade must work hand in hand with localities to direct the Vietnam Electricity Group and competent agencies to ensure safety of dams and reservoirs to minimise floods.
Meanwhile, the Ministries of Public Security and National Defence, as well as the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue were asked to help localities with search and rescue activities.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang will be in charge of following and directing these activities.
