Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered ministries,sectors and localities to stay ready to respond to natural disasters.

In his latest dispatch sent to the National SteeringCommittee for Disaster Prevention and Control; the National Committee for DisasterResponse and Search and Rescue; ministries, ministerial-level agencies and the People'sCommittees of provinces and centrally-run cities, PM Chinh stressed that it is currentlythe peak time of storms and floods.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorologicalForecasting, natural disasters continue to develop complicatedly andunpredictably. From now until year-end, 7-9 storms and tropical depressions are expected to be formed in the East Sea, of which three or four will have direct impactson the mainland.

Flash floods and landslides may occur in the mountains ofthe northern and north central regions in September and October, while heavy downpoursare forecast to hit the central and south central regions in October, Novemberand the first half of December.

To actively respond to natural disasters, protect people'slives, and minimise losses, especially amidst the complicated developments of theCOVID-19 pandemic, the Government leader requested the National SteeringCommittee for Disaster Prevention and Control and the National Committee for DisasterResponse and Search and Rescue to direct ministries, sectors and localities toreview and update response plans, and instruct the operation of reservoirs andthe effective exploitation of water resources.

It is necessary to prepare personnel, vehicles and equipmentto promptly support localities in dealing with any disasters and conductingsearch and rescue missions when necessary.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment was askedto keep a close watch on the weather, and give timely and reliable forecastsand warnings./.