Nghe An: Natural disasters cause economic losses exceeding 1.2 trillion VND.

On the afternoon of March 20th, the Provincial People's Committee held a conference to summarize the work on disaster prevention and search and rescue in 2022 and to implement tasks for 2023.

The conference was chaired by Comrade Nguyen Van De - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, and Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue. Also in attendance were leaders from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, along with representatives from relevant departments and agencies.

Comrade Nguyen Van De - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, delivered a speech at the conference. Photo: Van Truong

In 2022, Nghe An experienced 7 devastating storms and flash floods.

According to a report from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, since the beginning of 2022, the province has experienced many extreme weather phenomena such as tornadoes, lightning, and severe cold. Specifically, there have been 22 cold spells; 9 heatwaves; 33 tornadoes, lightning, hail, and heavy rains; and 5 widespread heavy rains. In particular, on the morning of October 2nd, 2022, the Ky Son district experienced localized heavy rainfall.flash floodSevere flooding occurred in Ta Ca commune and Muong Xen town.

In 2022 alone, Nghe An experienced 7 typhoons and 2 tropical depressions operating in the East Sea. Of these, 3 typhoons (numbers 2, 3, and 4) and the tropical depression (from July 4-8) directly affected Nghe An province.

Overview of the Conference summarizing disaster prevention and search and rescue work in 2022 and implementing tasks for 2023. Photo: Van Truong

The consequences of the natural disaster were devastating, resulting in 12 deaths, 1 injury, 100 houses collapsing, 990 houses damaged or with roofs blown off, and 322 houses requiring emergency relocation. The disaster also caused significant damage to agricultural and forestry production and infrastructure, with estimated economic losses of approximately 1,265 billion VND.

In addition, in 2022, Nghe An province experienced 35 accidents and incidents involving ships and boats at sea, specifically: 8 cases of fishing boats with engine failures at sea, and 3 cases of fishing boats catching fire at sea. Among these, 4 fishing boats sank, 10 cases involved crew members suffering work-related accidents at sea, 2 cases involved bodies found floating at sea, and 8 cases involved drowning. In total, 15 people died, 3 went missing, 10 were injured, 5 vessels sank, and 10 vessels were damaged.

Despite the complex nature of the natural disaster, Nghe An province has implemented prevention and control measures seriously, decisively, and comprehensively, with good preparation in all three stages: prevention, response, and recovery, thus minimizing damage to people and property.

However, disaster prevention and control efforts still face limitations such as: some officials, citizens, and local authorities remain complacent and lack proactive response; fatalities due to storms, heavy rains, and floods still occur; some local disaster prevention and control personnel lack proper training; and there are no specific policies or regulations for disaster prevention and control forces. Encroachment on the protection corridors of irrigation works and dikes still persists, hindering disaster prevention and response efforts...

Proactive response to severe natural disasters in 2023

At the conference, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Tien, Deputy Director of the North Central Region Meteorological and Hydrological Station, stated that in 2023, the weather forecast predicts many complex developments, with a high risk of tornadoes, hailstorms, and strong winds during the transitional seasons. He also predicted several heavy rainstorms in the near future, with rainfall amounts exceeding the average of previous years.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Tien also suggested that localities coordinate and provide information to help make the most accurate forecasts and warnings, contributing to effective disaster prevention and control. A flood is likely to occur on rivers in Nghe An province at the end of May and beginning of June.minor floodsFrom July to September, the rivers in Nghe An province are likely to experience 2-3 flood events. In addition, precautions should be taken against localized water shortages and saltwater intrusion in the coastal lowland districts.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Minh, Chairman of the Ky Son District People's Committee, presented his proposal at the conference. Photo: Van Truong

At the conference, Mr.Mr. Nguyen Huu Minh - Chairman of the People's Committee of Ky Son district, a unit severely affected by natural disasters in 2022, proposed: It is necessary to quickly implement the construction of a resettlement area for the emergency relocation of 224 households in Muong Xen town and Ta Ca commune, Ky Son district, so that they can be moved to a safe place, as the rainy season is approaching. Relevant departments need to coordinate to find solutions to address the cracks, subsidence, and landslide risks in Hoa Son village, Ta Ca commune.

Concluding the conference, Comrade Nguyen Van De - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee - acknowledged and highly appreciated the work of disaster prevention and control and search and rescue in the province in 2022. In response to the impact of...climate changeGlobally, natural disasters are becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requested that all sectors and localities proactively prepare and be ready to effectively implement disaster prevention and control measures in 2023.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van De requested that departments, agencies, units, and localities promptly evaluate and learn from past experiences in directing and managing disaster prevention and search and rescue efforts, thereby implementing appropriate and effective plans and solutions for 2023. Along with that, they should continue to strengthen the Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention, Search and Rescue, and Civil Defense at all levels; clearly defining the responsibilities of each member in directing and commanding to ensure effective implementation.

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requested that departments and localities closely monitor weather developments and natural disasters; proactively review and develop response plans and scenarios at each level for each type of natural disaster, incident, or catastrophe that may occur in the area; and prepare supplies, equipment, and personnel to respond promptly and ensure the safety of people and tourists.

In particular, it is necessary to urge investors and construction units to promptly repair structures damaged by storms and floods, serving disaster prevention and control; completing this before July 30th. Training and drills for disaster prevention and control and search and rescue must be carried out strictly at all levels according to the "four on-the-spot" principle; completing this before July 30th.

Local authorities and units should review, balance, and prioritize funding for investment and repair of damaged or unsafe disaster prevention and control structures, especially reservoirs, dams, and dikes; address landslides; and stabilize residential areas and mooring areas for boats and ships to take shelter from storms.

Flash floods in Ky Son district in 2022. (Archival photo)

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requested that localities establish inspection teams at all levels to review preparations for disaster prevention and control, and search and rescue operations, in order to refine the best possible plans and ensure completion before July 30th.

On this occasion, the Provincial People's Committee awarded Certificates of Commendation to 5 collectives and 5 individuals for their outstanding achievements in disaster prevention and search and rescue work in 2022.