The aquaculture farms on the coast of Gia Lai Province suffered great losses following Storm No 13 late October. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has issued Official Dispatch No. 214/CĐ-TTg, urging localities in the central region to assess storm and flood damage and expedite recovery efforts.

The PM instructed Secretaries of Party Committees and Chairpersons of the People’s Committees of Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Trị, Huế, Đà Nẵng, Quảng Ngãi, Gia Lai, and Đắk Lắk to review and accurately assess the need for food, shelter, and essential goods, and to provide timely assistance to affected households, particularly those whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged, policy-beneficiary families, and those facing hunger or hardship.

Local authorities were requested to finalise lists of affected households and implement State support policies before November 14, while also mobilising additional aid from the Việt Nam Fatherland Front, enterprises, philanthropists, and social organisations to help rebuild homes so residents can welcome the New Year and Lunar New Year in stability.

The PM also directed localities to identify their needs for crop and livestock varieties and other essential materials for agricultural recovery, and to report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) prior to November 15 for prompt coordination and support.

Priority should be given to restoring key infrastructure, including schools, medical stations, hospitals, and utilities. This will ensure the quick resumption of education and healthcare services. Repairs to electricity, water, telecommunications, roads, irrigation systems, and dykes must also be carried out immediately.

MAE was assigned to lead recovery efforts, coordinate material support, and report results by November 14. The Ministry of Finance was tasked with deploying financial aid and expediting insurance payments. The State Bank of Việt Nam would prepare preferential credit packages for affected individuals and businesses.

Meanwhile, the Ministries of National Defence and Public Security were instructed to continue mobilising military, police, and other forces to assist localities in overcoming the aftermath of storms and floods.

According to the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, latest preliminary economic losses from Storm No.13 are estimated at VNĐ7.8 trillion (nearly US$300 million). Gia Lai was the hardest hit with VNĐ5.2 trillion in damages, followed by Đắk Lắk with VNĐ2.3 trillion. — VNA/VNS