Soldiers from the Hà Giang Provincial Military Command help a local kindergarten in Ngọc Đường Commune to recover from flood damage. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has called for immediate efforts to mitigate the aftermath of recent floods and proactively respond to natural disasters in the northern mountainous and midland regions.

On Monday, PM Chính signed Directive No 57/CĐ-TTg, which noted that from the night of June 8 to the morning of June 10, heavy rains caused by a tropical depression and low-pressure area led to significant downpours in several northern regions. Rainfall ranged from 40-120mm, with Quảng Ninh Province and Hải Phòng City seeing 150-300mm and Hà Giang Province 100-250mm, with Quảng Ngần Commune in Vị Xuyên District experiencing up to 428mm.

Heavy rains resulted in floods in the upstream areas of the Lô River in Hà Giang Province and the Gâm River in Cao Bằng Province, surpassing Level 3 alerts, causing at least three deaths with several people still missing. The Prime Minister extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Water levels in hydropower reservoirs in Lai Châu, Hòa Bình and Tuyên Quang provinces were higher than the same period last year. Some areas in Hà Giang, Uông Bí, Hạ Long and Hải Phòng provinces were flooded, disrupting transportation and significantly affecting residents' lives.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, from June 14 to 17, the northern mountainous and midland regions will continue to experience heavy to very heavy rains, with some areas receiving 100-150mm within 24 hours. There is a high risk of flash floods, landslides and deep flooding in low-lying areas and urban centres. Flooding is also likely in rivers within the Thao, Đà and Lô river basins.

The Prime Minister urged the Standing Committee of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response and Search and Rescue, relevant ministers and local authorities to remain vigilant, swiftly address the consequences of recent floods and stabilise the lives of affected residents.

The Chairman of the Hà Giang People's Committee and other local authorities in the northern mountainous and midland regions were instructed to mobilise forces to search for missing persons, treat the injured and provide timely support to affected families, especially those in difficult circumstances. Local authorities were also tasked with closely monitoring rainfall and flood developments, promptly directing and implementing effective response measures to ensure residents' safety. This includes evacuating people from high-risk areas, controlling access to deeply flooded or rapidly flowing water areas and mobilising forces to help residents recover from the floods and resume normal life.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment was directed to provide timely and accurate flood, landslide and flash flood forecasts and warnings to relevant agencies.

The Ministry of Transport was tasked with ensuring traffic safety in affected areas, promptly addressing disruptions and maintaining smooth transportation, especially on major routes.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with local authorities and relevant agencies, were instructed to ensure the safety of reservoirs and operate them according to approved procedures to prevent artificial floods and flash floods.

The National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response and Search and Rescue, along with the ministries of Defence and Public Security, were directed to support local authorities in response efforts and search and rescue operations.

The National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control was asked to closely monitor disaster situations, organise inspection teams, and support local authorities in disaster prevention and mitigation efforts.

The Prime Minister assigned Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang to oversee the implementation of this directive. VNS