Vietnam stays vigilant in response to natural disasters
Relevant ministries and sector should channel their focus and draw up measures in response to natural disasters for the time to come, said Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong at a meeting held in Hanoi on July 25.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong (standing) orders measures in response to natural disasters. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Relevant ministries and sector should channel theirfocus and draw up measures in response to natural disasters for the time tocome, said Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong at ameeting held in Hanoi on July 25.
As there is huge risk of landslides and floods in the upcoming raining season,Cuong ordered the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) tokeep a close watch on weather developments to give prompt forecasts andwarnings so that ministries and localities can make thorough preparations to respondto natural calamities.
Cuong proposed the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration underthe Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in collaboration with theDirectorate for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control under the Ministry ofAgriculture and Rural Development, to jointly collect hydrology informationalong the Mekong River for authorities.
Underlining the importance of natural disaster prevention missions, Cuong askedcities and provinces to implement measures which can reduce losses caused byfloods and landslides, and stabilise local livelihoods, while also working outsolutions to ensure safety for residents who are frequently hit by floods orinundation.
They must guide farmers to re-organise rice production, enhance management offishing vessels and aquaculture farming to minimise losses, as well as work toensure traffic safety in mountainous and low-lying areas.
In particular, Mekong Delta localities should introduce and focus on appropriatemeasures to deal with floods in the region.
The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control andthe Border Guard Command are responsible for inspecting fishing vessels’ safetyin case of storms. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is in charge of guidingmedical check-ups and disease prevention among local residents while examiningenvironmental and hygiene conditions.
At the event, representatives from the rescue agency under the General Staff ofthe Vietnam People’s Army and the Directorate for Natural Disaster Preventionand Control said that their forces and vehicles have already been detached tojoin search and rescue efforts in Laos following the collapse of theXepian-Xe Nam Noy hydropower dam.-VNA
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong has asked relevant agencies to take synchronous measures to deal with possible natural disasters.
The Prime Minister has issued Directive 19/CT-TTg on preventive measures against flash floods and landslides, which have happened frequently recently in the northern and north central regions.
A set of comprehensive measures must be carried out in response to natural disasters to ensure safety for both local residents and their assets, said Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung on July 16.
The Standing Board of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee (VFFCC) on July 21 sent a message of sympathy to authorities and people affected by floods in Thanh Hoa, Yen Bai, Hoa Binh, Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces.
Statistics provided by several northern and north central provinces show that by July 24, torrential rains, floods, and landslides left 29 people dead, five others missing, and 26 injured.
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Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
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The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
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Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
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Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong (standing) orders measures in response to natural disasters. (Photo: VNA) 
