A VOV reporter interviewed Mr Tu about preparations being made to protect the dyke system and cope with natural disasters during the flood and storm season.

VOV: Could you tell us about preparations for flood and storm prevention and control in 2010?

Mr Tu: All provinces and cities with dyke systems are paying a great deal of attention to preparatory work. At present, steering boards for flood and storm prevention and control have been established from the provincial to grassroots levels. The boards have targeted key areas with the dyke system and drawn up plans to protect it.

Provincial and municipal authorities are responsible for making preparation plans to cope with natural disasters. We also mobilise all forces to take part in rescue work.

Currently, most dyke upgrade projects are nearly completed, with a total investment of VND450 billion, including VND200 billion from the State budget.

VOV: What do you think of the sudden changes in the weather this year?

Vu Van Tu

Mr Tu: According to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), about nine storms will hit Vietnam in 2010. The National Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control has warned that it is essential to be careful as weather is changing rapidly.

In Mid-June, Hanoi and the northern and central regions experienced the longest hot spell in 60 years with temperatures some reaching more than 40oC. It is forecast that floods and storms may hit Vietnam at the end of July and at the beginning of August. Therefore, Ministries and agencies at all levels should intensify measures to deal with possible natural disasters.

Due attention should be paid to protecting the dyke system in coastal areas and areas having a high population density and key economic establishments in order to minimise the loss of human life and property.

VOV: What has the Department for Dyke Management and Flood and Storm Prevention and Control recommended to authorities and people?

Mr Tu: The State has provided a huge investment while provincial and municipal authorities have mobilised all forces for rescue work. However, to minimise losses, local people should take an active role in preventing natural disasters.

Vietnam has three different regions where people have their different ways to prevent and cope with natural calamity. In the south, people have to co-exist with floods as the water levels of the Tien, Hau and Mekong rivers surge gradually in the flood season. In the central region, which has high terrain, floods often take place and disappear very quickly. However, in the northern region, which has a big river system, including the Red river and the Thai Binh river, local people should be careful, especially when the dyke system is breached and the floods submerge large areas. More than 27 million people are living in the north, so special attention should be paid to protecting the dyke system there.

VOV: Thank you.