Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered greater attention to the operation and regulation of the water levels at hydropower reservoirs in northern localities to ensure safety of the dyke systems and minimise damage due to floods in downstream areas.

Stricter punishments are needed for violations of waterway traffic safety, illegal mineral exploiting and dyke safety in Hanoi.

The Prime Minister has recently approved a planning scheme for flood prevention and dyke systems along the Red and Thai Binh Rivers.