PM directs focused evacuation in South-Central flood-affected areas

On November 20, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung continued to sign the Prime Minister’s Urgent Dispatch No. 223/CD-TTg: On concentrated response to the exceptionally severe floods in Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak, and Gia Lai. This is the latest dispatch following 4 urgent dispatches issued yesterday (November 19, 2025).

The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to direct relevant agencies to continuously monitor and provide timely, accurate forecasts of the rainfall and flood situation; and to promptly inform all levels of government and residents so they can take proactive preventive measures to the highest possible degree.

According to forecasts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, today (November 20) and tomorrow (November 21), these provinces will continue to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. Flood levels on the Ba River and the Kon River remain very high, while river levels in Khanh Hoa continue to rise and may surpass historical records.

Severe and widespread deep flooding is expected to continue, especially in Khanh Hoa and Dak Lak, as tides are currently high. At the same time, there is a very high risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.

The Prime Minister requested the Party Secretaries and Chairpersons of the People’s Committees of Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa, as well as relevant ministries and agencies, to intensify leadership and direct all urgent and necessary measures to respond to the exceptionally severe floods, with particular emphasis on ensuring the safety of residents.

The Prime Minister assigned the Chairpersons of the People’s Committees of Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa to continue mobilizing all available forces and resources, especially the military, police, militia, local security forces, and other relevant units. People’s Committees assume full responsibility before the Government and the Prime Minister for disaster response activities in the locality; proactively direct disaster response and search and rescue operations according to their functions, duties, and authority; and promptly report to the Prime Minister, the Minister of National Defense, and the Minister of Agriculture and Environment for guidance on matters beyond their authority.

All possible measures should be taken to reach residential areas that are deeply flooded, cut off, isolated, or affected by landslides in order to relocate and evacuate residents to safe locations promptly.

Food and supplies must be delivered in a timely manner, especially dry goods, bread, milk, and other essential items, to ensure that residents do not go hungry, suffer from cold, or lack drinking water.

The Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense to direct military and police units stationed locally to mobilize maximum forces and equipment, including helicopters and drones, to assist local authorities in flood response efforts, particularly in evacuation, search and rescue, and transporting relief food and supplies to residents.

The Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Public Security were instructed to direct local police and relevant forces to proactively manage traffic early and from a distance, and advise residents to avoid traveling to flood-affected areas.

According to forecasts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on November 20 and 21, the region will continue to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. Flood levels on the Ba River and the Kon River remain very high, while river levels in Khanh Hoa continue to rise and may surpass historical flood levels. Rising water from the upper reaches of the Ba River has rapidly isolated communes in the eastern part of the province, prompting authorities to issue a level 4 disaster warning. Landslides and collapsed houses have been reported in some areas, and one fatality has been recorded. Quy Nhon and Nha Trang are also experiencing severe flooding due to heavy rain and rising river levels.

Severe and widespread deep flooding is expected to persist, especially in Khanh Hoa and Dak Lak provinces (as tides are currently high). At the same time, there is a very high risk of landslides in mountainous and hillside areas.