HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has asked central provincial authorities and relevant ministries to inspect water discharge from reservoirs in wake of the recent floods.

The PM’s office sent a document to the ministries of Trade and Industry, Natural Resources and Environment and Agriculture and Rural Development, and the people’s committees of Nghệ An, Hà Tĩnh and Quảng Bình provinces, laying emphasis on the recent heavy rainfall and serious flooding which had damaged property of the state and led to loss of lives in the central provinces.

The public and the authorities of some provinces were concerned about hydroelectric plants not providing notice about water discharge from reservoirs, due to which people did not have enough time to prepare for flood-prevention measures. 

The PM asked the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in co-ordination with relevant ministries and provincial authorities, to undertake strict inspection of the recent water discharge at reservoirs, especially Hố Hô Reservoir in Hà Tĩnh Province.

Inspectors were told to determine responsibility and compensation of related offices and individuals. They were also directed to report the inspection results to the Prime Minister before October 25.

Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines has announced it will transport for free relief commodities from social organisations, state offices and charity groups to flood-affected central provinces.

Starting from today, relief commodities will be made a priority to be transported on flights of Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific and VASCO departing from Hà Nội and HCM City to the central provinces of Nghệ An, Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Bình and Quảng Trị.

A Vietnam Airline representative said airline agencies would waive off all charges to assist flood-affected families.

Việt Nam Fatherland Front and Việt Nam Red Cross, their branches in cities and provinces, city and province-level people’s committees and state-licensed charity funds are among the beneficiaries of Vietnam Airlines.

The airline said offices and individuals interested in the free-of-charge programme can register and book a reservation on the numbers 0972999398 (in Hà Nội), 0984320868 (in HCM City), 0903906602 (Jetstar Pacific) and 0868958872 (VASCO).

At present, Vietnam Airlines has 35 flights per week departing from Hà Nội and HCM City to Vinh City, seven flights to Đồng Hới and 53 flights to Huế, while Jetstar Pacific has 17 flights to Vinh, seven to Đồng Hới and 14 to Huế.

Floods in the central provinces of Việt Nam claimed 25 lives and injured 18 others. — VNS