Application of information technology: "Shield" to prevent natural disasters in mountainous areas of Nghe An

Create Zalo groups to send rain and flood notifications

Muong Tip Commune (former Ky Son District) borders Laos, with a natural area of ​​over 217 km², the terrain is mainly high mountains, with many large and small streams. The majority of the people are Khmu, Mong... living scattered along the valleys and mountain slopes. Life is already difficult, now it is often affected by natural disasters, making people's lives even more difficult.

For many years, Muong Tip has been continuously suffering from floods and landslides. In particular, a flash flood nearly two months ago swept away a wooden bridge, damaging houses, schools, etc.

Mr. Seo Pho Dung, 61 years old, in Ta Do village, recalled: “In just a moment, the flood water from the mountain crevices rose up, sweeping away all our belongings. Luckily, the authorities informed us in time and were present, helping us get to safety.”

In recent times, the application of information technology in natural disaster prevention in Muong Tip has shown remarkable effectiveness. The commune has coordinated with superior agencies to deploy an early warning system via telephone, sending messages directly to each household when there are forecasts of floods and heavy rain. Zalo groups connecting the government with village chiefs and people have been established, helping to transmit information quickly and accurately. When there are signs of heavy rain and risk of landslides, the village chief posts images and videos of the scene so that the commune can promptly grasp the situation, direct evacuation and report for support.

Mr. Vi Van Son - Chairman of Muong Tip Commune People's Committee, said: "Information technology has helped shorten the time to convey information to people. In just a few minutes, warnings can reach each household."

Thanks to that, during the recent floods, many households were evacuated in time. People were also more proactive in collecting their belongings and bringing children and the elderly to safety.

Ms. Moong Thi Hoi, Ta Do village, shared: “Before, when it rained, we were very worried. Now, with the warning group, people know the situation in advance to make arrangements and move. Even though crops are lost, lives and important assets are protected.”

Muong Tip has a large area and a sparse population. There are 3 villages without phone signal, so commune officials often stay in the villages, directly inform and guide the village secretaries and village chiefs to convey information to the people. In villages where people have limited access to technology, officials in charge are also assigned to support, so that information is not interrupted.

Not only does it help prevent natural disasters, information technology also supports the commune in population management, social security implementation, and timely and transparent relief policies to the right beneficiaries. This is an important step forward for a mountainous commune with many difficulties, contributing to strengthening people's trust in the local government.

Digital transformation associated with civil security

Not suffering from severe flash floods like the border communes, Hung Chan commune (formerly Quy Chau district) is still frequently affected by storms. In particular, during the recent storm No. 5, the local government has clearly demonstrated its effectiveness in boldly applying information technology to natural disaster prevention work.

The Commune People's Committee has established a Zalo group connecting from the commune leaders to the hamlets and villages. All weather developments, storm warnings, as well as directives from the Central and Provincial Governments are continuously updated. Village heads, Party cell secretaries, and heads of the Front work committees must report the situation daily via the group. Thanks to that, the commune leaders can quickly grasp the reality and promptly give instructions.

In addition to the interactive channel via Zalo, the commune also installed 6 cameras at key points to monitor the Ca Mat irrigation source, and monitor water levels when floods come. This is an important basis for early warning, helping people avoid risks. In the coming time, the commune will continue to deploy more cameras at "hot spots" to support security forces and ensure local order.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hoa - Chairman of Hung Chan Commune People's Committee said: "Previously, information was mainly based on loudspeakers. But due to the mountainous area and sparse population, people could not always hear. Now through Zalo, everything is quick and effective. I require the village chief and secretary to interact daily so that when an emergency occurs, it can be handled immediately."

Not stopping there, the commune leaders also directly called the grassroots officials to verify the situation, avoiding information delays. Documents can be updated later, but urgent instructions are deployed immediately over the phone, helping to respond flexibly and quickly.

The application of information technology in Hung Chan is not only limited to natural disaster prevention but also spreads to many other areas of life. The Commune Public Administration Center has invested in upgrading the computer system, stable internet connection, serving people in handling procedures. Files are processed faster, results are returned transparently and publicly. The Commune People's Committee affirms that it will continue to maintain and improve the quality of public administrative services, ensuring the rights of the people.

People also clearly feel the change. Mr. Loc Van Son (Na Lanh village) shared: “In the past, when there was a storm, the loudspeakers were sometimes unclear due to the rain and wind, and the information was slow. Now, just turn on your phone and you will know the situation immediately. The paperwork is also quick and easy, without having to go back and forth many times. Seeing the commune changing more and more, we feel very secure and confident.”

Reality in Hung Chan shows that technology is not only an important solution in natural disaster prevention, but also the foundation for the digital transformation process in rural areas. Information is transmitted quickly and accurately; management is flexible; people's trust in the government is increasingly increased.

In the context of increasingly severe natural disasters, the application of information technology is no longer an option, but has become an inevitable requirement. With a large terrain, many remote areas, and limited infrastructure, if relying only on traditional methods, Nghe An will find it difficult to respond promptly. Taking advantage of technology from text messages, social networking groups to early warning systems has proven effective: minimizing damage and improving the management capacity of local authorities.

When technology enters life, it not only supports effective disaster prevention, but also contributes to changing the face of rural mountainous areas of Nghe An: proactive information, transparent administration, and people's trust, these are the sustainable values ​​that digital transformation brings.