Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính arrives in Thái Nguyên Province, one of the hardest-hit localities following days of heavy rain and flooding, to inspect the situation and direct on-site response efforts. — VNA/VNS Photo

THÁI NGUYÊN — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Wednesday afternoon urged authorities in the northern province of Thái Nguyên to take urgent and comprehensive action to reach deeply flooded areas and those at risk of landslides and flash floods, and to promptly evacuate residents to safe locations.

He emphasised that safeguarding people’s lives must remain the foremost priority.

He also called for the immediate supply of food and essential items to households at risk of shortages, stressing that no one should be left hungry or thirsty.

The Prime Minister made the request upon arriving in Thái Nguyên, one of the hardest-hit localities following days of heavy rain and flooding, to inspect the situation and direct response efforts on site.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the circulation of Typhoon Matmo brought heavy to extremely heavy rain to the northern region on October 7, particularly affecting Thái Nguyên, Bắc Ninh, Lạng Sơn and Hà Nội.

Total rainfall in many areas reached 300–400 mm, with some places recording over 560 mm.

The Cầu River experienced severe flooding, causing inundation in parts of Bắc Ninh, Lạng Sơn, Cao Bằng and Thái Nguyên.

Thái Nguyên has been battered by widespread heavy rain and flooding, leading to complex developments and severe loss of life and damage to property, infrastructure and production, seriously affecting local livelihoods.

Preliminary reports on Wednesday showed that Thái Nguyên recorded four deaths, two missing persons, and two others injured, while about 5,450 houses were submerged. Many areas have suffered landslides, roads have been flooded and cut off, and 45 communes and wards remain isolated.

Local authorities, together with Military Region 1, the provincial military command, police and other agencies, have mobilised thousands of officers, soldiers, militia members and volunteers, along with vehicles, boats and rescue equipment, to evacuate people and property from danger zones and carry out relief operations.

PM Phạm Minh Chính offers encouragement to affected residents over their losses and hardships. VNA/VNS Photo

During his visit to Phan Đình Phùng Ward, PM Chính extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expressed sympathy for the losses and hardships faced by local Party organisations, authorities and residents affected by the disaster.

He affirmed that the Party and State fully understand and share the difficulties of people in disaster-hit areas across the country, and have directed the implementation of urgent measures to mitigate the consequences of storms and floods and help people quickly stabilise their lives.

In particular, he ordered the immediate implementation of emergency flood-prevention measures in line with current alert levels, the urgent evacuation of residents, especially the elderly, children and vulnerable groups from high-risk areas, and the reinforcement of dikes, reservoirs and dams. He stressed the need to mobilise all available forces, means and materials to promptly handle incidents 'from the very first hour.'

The Prime Minister also called on local people to remain united and supportive of one another in this difficult time, to overcome the losses and restore normal life as soon as possible.

Looking ahead, he said the Government would direct relevant ministries, localities and agencies to study and invest in upgrading and reinforcing infrastructure, including the Cầu River dike system, to improve resilience against storms and natural disasters and better protect the lives and property of the people.

PM Chính requested ministries and sectors to closely coordinate with local administrations to accelerate post-disaster recovery and ensure stability for affected communities as quickly as possible.

After his field trip, the PM chaired a meeting with provincial leaders to review the disaster response and recovery efforts. On behalf of Party General Secretary Tô Lâm and Party and State leaders, he conveyed their deepest condolences to the people and authorities of Thái Nguyên, particularly families who lost loved members.

Commending the province for promptly evacuating residents and delivering essential supplies, PM Chính urged continued vigilance and stronger coordination with the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security to prevent further floods, landslides, and flash floods.

He called for urgent restoration of power, telecommunications, and transport connections, as well as the reopening of hospitals, schools, and administrative offices. Local authorities were told to assist people in repairing homes, cleaning the environment, preventing disease outbreaks, and resuming production.

In the long term, PM Chính approved Thái Nguyên’s proposal to build and upgrade flood prevention and dyke systems along the Cầu River to enhance safety for residents and infrastructure. He asked the province to expedite preparations for the project under emergency procedures, targeting completion by the 2026 flood season.

Emphasising the spirit of solidarity and compassion, the PM called on ministries, sectors, organisations, and individuals nationwide to join hands in supporting flood-hit residents in Thái Nguyên and other northern provinces.

Responding to his appeal, Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang, on behalf of the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defence, presented VNĐ5 billion (nearly US$190,000 USD) to Thái Nguyên to help overcome the aftermath of the disaster. — VNS