Minister urges more efficient flood prevention and rescue

Source: Vietnam News (12 August 2004)

Defense Minister General Pham Van Tra has called for more efficient flood prevention, control and rescue measures during upcoming flood and storm season of this year. 

Chairing a meeting in Hanoi on Tuesday, Minister Tra pointed out weaknesses, including obsolete equipment and poorly coordinated efforts.

He asked concerned agencies and units to zone flood control areas, promptly supply rescue forces with equipment and strengthen their capacity to quickly respond to emergencies.

The ministry established a salvage and rescue department on Monday (9 August 2004) to improve the success rate of rescue efforts.

The armed forces have over the past year and a half sent thousands of officers and soldiers, 54 vessels and 29 automobiles to save 396 people and 52 vehicles in 53 cases.

They have also helped hundreds of vessels anchor safely in storms and have coordinated with local authorities to provide relief communities combating the consequences of natural disasters.

The Government recently provided financial aid to the provinces of Ha Giang and Quang Ngai, which were heavily affected by flooding last month.

Ha Giang Province will receiver VND20 billion (US$1.2 million) and 130 tons of rice while Quang Ngai will receive VND3 billion (US$187,000) to overcome difficulties caused by Typhoon Chanthu.

The Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control held a seminar yesterday (11 August 2004) to discuss preventive measures against flash floods.

The committee said localities should review residential areas, which are prone to flash floods, and have evacuation plans in case of disaster.

The committee will submit to the Government a report about flash flooding in order to minimize devastation.

According to the committee statistics, the nation suffered 25 flash floods, excluding those which occurred in areas where no one lived, in the past 14 years, killing about 960 people and causing a property losses of VND1.9 trillion ($118 million).