Responding to natural disasters during the 2025 high school graduation exam

Telegram sent to the Chairmen of the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities (through the Provincial Steering Committee for the 2025 High School Graduation Exam).

The dispatch clearly stated: According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, in the next 24-48 hours, the mountainous and midland areas of the North will have moderate rain, heavy rain and thunderstorms, some places will have very heavy rain with common rainfall from 40-90mm, locally over 200mm.

During the 2025 High School Graduation Exam (Exam), the Northern region is forecast to have intermittent sunshine, scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening; the Central region will have sunny weather, some places will be hot, some places will have showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening; the Central Highlands and the Southern region will have sunny weather, scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

These developments pose many risks and may directly affect the preparation and organization of the 2025 Exam.

To proactively respond to floods, minimize damage to people and property, and ensure the safe and serious organization of the Exam, the Minister of Education and Training requested the Provincial Steering Committee for the 2025 Exam to direct relevant units to implement the following contents:

First, proactively monitor and update weather information. Specifically, regularly and closely monitor the developments of floods, storms, hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions from hydro-meteorological forecasts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting and local authorities.

Maintain regular contact with the Command Committee for Disaster Prevention, Control and Search and Rescue at all levels, relevant authorities and local rescue forces to promptly respond in case of incidents.

Second, review, develop and deploy plans to ensure safety for the Exam with the 4-on-the-spot motto (on-site command, on-site logistics, on-site means, on-site forces). Note:

Regarding facilities: Urgently review, inspect, and reinforce facilities of examination sites, examination rooms, electricity, water, and drainage systems to ensure safety and sufficient conditions for organizing examinations in all weather conditions (heavy rain, hot sun).

Relocation and contingency plans: Develop contingency plans to relocate files, documents, machinery, and equipment to safe locations to avoid damage from flooding and landslides. At the same time, prepare backup exam locations and rooms in case the main exam location is affected by natural disasters.

Preservation of exam papers and test papers: Ensure absolute safety in the transportation and preservation of exam papers and test papers before, during and after the exam; avoid damage due to heavy rain, heat, fire and explosion.

Third, ensure safety for staff and candidates: Establish an information channel with parents and students to manage, guide and support candidates to move to the exam site safely, minimizing risks due to natural disasters.

There is a plan to organize food and accommodation support near the exam site for staff and candidates who live far away and have needs, especially staff and candidates who have to cross rivers, streams, ferries, roads at risk of flooding, landslides, etc. so that everyone can get to the exam site and take the exam safely.

Fourth, organize cleaning, disinfection, and epidemic prevention: Urgently clean and sanitize classrooms immediately after storms and floods end to ensure safety, cleanliness, disease prevention, and readiness for the organization of the exam.