Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính chairs the meeting on flood response on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo

BẮC GIANG — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính urged Bắc Giang's authorities to monitor its dike system closely, emphasising the need to be 'fully prepared for any circumstance'.

The Prime Minister was speaking at a virtual meeting following his field inspection in the province on Tuesday to direct efforts in responding to severe floods and landslides following Typhoon Yagi in northern provinces.

During the meeting, PM Chính was briefed on the extensive damage caused by floods and landslides in Bắc Giang Province.

He conveyed his own and General Secretary and President Tô Lâm's sympathy to the victims and their families, expressing appreciation for the province's efforts in emergency response.

With the flood situation deteriorating, he urged Bắc Giang's authorities to prioritise protecting critical infrastructure, notably dikes and dams, and implement measures to evacuate people and salvage crops.

He also urged the authorities to immediately assess damages and provide support to those affected by the floods, ensuring 'no one is left hungry, cold, or without shelter'. Special attention should be given to Vân Hà Commune in Việt Yên Township, which remains isolated.

He approved the proposal to build a new bridge - Vân Hà Bridge - connecting Bắc Giang and Bắc Ninh Province, which would be inaugurated in 2025. Additionally, he urged the authorities to facilitate the transition of riverine populations to land-based living.

After giving instructions to Bắc Giang's authorities, PM Chính proceeded to discuss flood response measures with the governments of Yên Bái, Tuyên Quang, Phú Thọ, Vĩnh Phúc and Hà Nội.

Reports from the provinces and cities indicate that the remnants of Typhoon Yagi have brought prolonged heavy rains, leading to extensive flooding and isolated areas.

Some provinces faced a high risk of flooding in low-lying river areas and landslides in mountainous areas, with the flood risk level categorised at Level 3.

Particularly concerning was the near-capacity situations in reservoirs, such as Thác Bà Reservoir, which poses a significant dam failure risk.

The provincial governments reported ongoing efforts to evacuate people from inundated areas, repair damaged infrastructure, organise the delivery of essential supplies to flood victims.

Wrapping up the meeting, PM Chính called on ministries, agencies, and local governments to mobilise all available resources to implement his five directives and the guidelines set forth by General Secretary and President Tô Lâm regarding flood response.

He ordered the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Public Security to mobilise their forces to support the distribution of essential supplies to flood victims, especially those in isolated areas.

Given the critical state of the Thác Bà Reservoir, he ordered preparations for the worst-case scenario, including the immediate evacuation of people at risk and the readiness to declare a state of emergency if necessary.

The governments of Lào Cai, Yên Bái, and Tuyên Quang were urged to regulate water flow into reservoirs to prevent overflow.

The deputy prime minister were assigned the task of leading the on-site response, and all ministries, agencies, and localities were required to coordinate efforts to address the flood situation and its aftermath, immediately reporting any issues beyond their authority to the higher levels. — VNS