PM requests immediate implementation of urgent flood prevention and control measures at alert level

Immediate implementation of urgent flood prevention and control measures at the alert level

On October 8, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Thai Nguyen province to inspect the situation, inquire after local residents, and encourage the forces engaged in flood response, rescue and relief operations, post-disaster recovery, and delivering essential supplies to affected communities.

At Phan Dinh Phung ward, the PM visited and encouraged residents affected by the disaster and forces on duty. The PM also extended his deepest condolences to the victims' families and expressed profound sympathy for the losses, hardships, and challenges faced by the Party committee, governments, and people in the disaster-hit areas.

The PM affirmed that the Party and the State fully understand and share the losses and difficulties of people in disaster-affected regions across the country. The Party and the State have directed urgent implementation of essential measures to swiftly overcome the consequences of storms and floods and stabilize people’s lives.

The PM requested that ministries and branches closely coordinate with local governments to strictly implement the directives of General Secretary To Lam, the Standing Secretariat, and the Prime Minister's official telegrams and accelerate progress toward overcoming the aftermath of natural disasters and storms, ensuring the earliest stabilization of conditions for affected communities.

In particular, the PM requested the immediate implementation of urgent flood prevention and control measures at the alert level, focusing on reviewing areas deeply flooded or at high risk of landslides, flash floods, and mudslides to proactively relocate and evacuate residents, particularly the elderly, children, and other vulnerable groups, from dangerous zones, with the utmost priority placed on safeguarding human lives.

The PM also directed local forces to strengthen dike protection, ensure the safety of dike systems and reservoirs, and mobilize all available personnel, vehicles, and materials to promptly address any incidents from the earliest stages. Authorities were required to take all possible measures to reach areas isolated by deep flooding to deliver food and essential supplies to households at risk of shortages, ensuring no one is left hungry or thirsty.

In the long term, the Prime Minister stated that he would direct ministries, branches, localities, and relevant agencies to study and invest in upgrading and reinforcing structures, including the Cau River dike system, to enhance resilience to storms, floods, and natural disasters, thereby better protecting people’s lives and property.

Flood levels in Thai Nguyen surpass 2024 record

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on October 7, Storm No. 11's circulation brought heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to the northern region and Thanh Hoa, particularly Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh, Lang Son, and Hanoi. Total rainfall in many areas reached 300–400 mm, with some locations recording over 560 mm.

An exceptionally large flood occurred on the Cau River, inundating Bac Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, and especially Thai Nguyen. At 3:00 a.m. on October 8, flood levels at Gia Bay Station (Thai Nguyen) peaked at 29.90 m, surpassing the historical record of 28.81 m set in 2024.

Thai Nguyen province experienced moderate to very heavy rainfall across a wide area, with complex flood developments causing severe damage to human life, property, infrastructure, and production, and significantly affecting people's lives.

Preliminary statistics show that Thai Nguyen province has recorded four deaths, two missing persons, and two injuries, and 5,450 houses have been damaged. Numerous areas have experienced landslides, while many transportation routes remain flooded and cut off.

Several communes, wards, and residential areas have been isolated, including Nam Cuong, Dong Phuc, Cho Ra, Ba Be, Na Ri, Con Minh, Xuan Duong, Tran Phu, Bac Kan Ward, Duc Xuan Ward, Vinh Thong, Cam Giang, Yen Binh, Thanh Thinh, Cho Moi, Phan Dinh Phung Ward, Gia Sang Ward, Tich Luong Ward, Linh Son Ward, Quan Trieu Ward, Phu Luong, Quang Son, Dong Hy, An Khanh, Yen Trach, La Hien, Nghinh Tuong, Nam Hoa, Trung Hoi, Van Han, Phu Dinh, Dai Phuc, Than Sa, Binh Thanh, Trai Cau, Lam Vy, Dan Tien, Van Xuan, Pho Yen, Diem Thuy, Phu Binh, and Kha Son.

Thai Nguyen province, together with Military Zone 1, the Provincial Military Command, the Provincial Police, and various agencies, units, and local authorities, has mobilized thousands of officers, soldiers, militia members, public security forces, and youth volunteers, along with numerous vehicles, motorboats, and rescue equipment, to assist residents in responding to storms and floods. These forces have been deployed to evacuate people and property from dangerous areas, conduct search and rescue operations, and help mitigate the consequences of the natural disaster.

On October 8, the Prime Minister approved an emergency allocation of VND 140 billion from the central government’s 2025 contingency budget to assist the provinces of Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Lang Son, and Bac Ninh. The funding aims to provide timely relief and initial recovery support for residents affected by the floods. Of the total amount, Thai Nguyen will receive VND 50 billion, while Cao Bang, Lang Son, and Bac Ninh will each receive VND 30 billion.

*USD 1 = VND 26,139 (Source: Vietcombank)