Tasks and key solutions in natural disaster management and search and rescue in Vietnam in 2024

Tasks and key solutions in natural disaster management and search and rescue in Vietnam in 2024 (Internet image)

According to the assessment of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam, natural disasters will continue to have complex and unusual developments. In the last months of the year, there may be storms and heavy floods due to the impact of the La Niña phenomenon (which occurred in 2020). Ministries, central authorities, and localities must review plans, strategies, and proactively allocate resources to effectively implement natural disaster management, incident response, and search and rescue efforts. The overarching directive is to proactively prevent, implement the "4 on-site" principle, and prioritize the safety of people in all activities related to natural disaster management and incidents.

The basic mission and key solutions outlined in the report of the National Steering Committee and the National Committee suggest that the National Steering Committee for natural disaster management, the National Committee for Incident Response, natural disaster management, and Search and Rescue, as well as relevant ministries, central authorities, and localities, shall focus on implementing the following key missions and solutions:

1. Urgently complete the draft Decree detailing certain provisions of the Law on Civil Defense. To be specific, for regulations on interagency coordination in civil defense, only include explicit contents within the jurisdiction of the government and consistent with the Laws on Civil Defense, Law on natural disaster management, and other relevant legal provisions; do not include in the draft Decree matters under the Prime Minister's jurisdiction, as stipulated in Decision 23/2023/QD-TTg regarding the establishment, organization, and operation of interagency coordination organizations.

2. Reorganize the structure and operations of the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense, the Civil defense command at all levels, and advisory and support agencies to make decisions for the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense and Civil defense command in accordance with the Laws on Civil Defense, Disaster Prevention and Control, and other relevant legal provisions as of July 1, 2024. It is important to ensure that the new organizational principles are more effective and timely, avoiding overlaps and confusion in implementation. The strengths of the existing organization should be inherited and utilized, without interrupting the advisory, directive, and operational activities for incident response, disasters, and epidemics, especially during the upcoming peak period of storms and floods.

3. Continuously improve institutions, policies, and laws to create a legal framework related to disaster prevention, incident response, and search and rescue. This will facilitate timely and effective prevention, response, and recovery from the consequences of disasters and incidents, as well as search and rescue operations.

4. Enhance the quality of forecasting, warnings, monitoring, and surveillance of natural disasters. Provide early, timely, and accurate forecasts of disaster developments, particularly heavy rains, floods, and landslides.

5. Strengthen communication efforts and raise awareness and responsibilities among individuals engaged in disaster prevention, incident response, search and rescue, and the general public. Diversify appropriate forms of information dissemination and communication tailored to specific target groups and local conditions.

6. Proactively review disaster response scenarios, incident response, and search and rescue plans. Organize monitoring, inspections, and prompt preparations for disaster prevention, rescue, and relief efforts before the rainy season and before the occurrence of storms and floods. Identify weak points and promptly address them to minimize risks and potential damages before the rainy season. Emphasize proactive prevention with the principle that "prevention is paramount."

7. Enhance the capacity for directing and commanding disaster response and incidents within each ministry, central authority, and locality. Ensure the safe and effective operation of reservoirs and interconnected reservoirs to secure infrastructure and downstream areas. Organize training, exercises, drills, incident response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue operations based on developed situations, plans, and strategies.

8. Diversify and effectively utilize investment resources for disaster prevention, incident response, and search and rescue activities. Establish mechanisms to mobilize social resources, especially in post-disaster recovery efforts.

9. Strengthen international cooperation in disaster prevention and response to exchange experiences, benefit from information, technology, and financial support to enhance forecasting, warning, response, recovery, and search and rescue capacities for disasters and incidents.

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