The same day, a Government working mission led by Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong conducted an inspection tour of Bac Kan to suggest measures to overcome the consequences caused by floods.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Standing Committee donated VND20 million for flood victims to help them minimize damage.

Earlier on July 19, State President Nguyen Minh Triet sent an urgent telegram to all ministries and agencies asking them to quickly deploy flood prevention plans in the northern highlands

The President asked provincial, district and commune officials to co-ordinate with Government agencies to protect public and private property and warehouses and ensure stability and hygiene. Health workers and supplies must be ready for action, he said.

The President instructed the National Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control, as well as city and provincial steering committees throughout the country to keep a close watch on the weather to carry out contingency plans, and minimise possible damage.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung also sent an urgent message ordering authorities in the northern mountainous provinces to help flood victims and prevent epidemics in the aftermath of flooding.

Mr Dung asked the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs and other relevant sectors to closely cooperate with provincial People’s Committees to prevent and repair damage. They were also asked to consider the local authorities’ proposals aimed at helping people in flood-stricken areas quickly stabilise production and business activities.