Newest regulations on Information on adverse events and catastrophes in Vietnam

Newest regulations on Information on adverse events and catastrophes in Vietnam​ (Internet image)

Regulations on information on adverse events and catastrophes in Vietnam

According to Article 6 of the Law on Civil Defense 2023, regulations on information on adverse events and catastrophes are as follows:

- Information on the risks and developments of disasters must be promptly and accurately communicated in Vietnamese and other appropriate languages for each type of audience, particularly vulnerable groups. When necessary, it should be communicated in ethnic minority languages and foreign languages.

- Basic information about the disaster includes the type of disaster; the time, location, intensity, level, and danger level of the disaster; anticipated affected areas, forecast developments of the disaster, warnings, and recommendations for response measures.

- The Government of Vietnam regulates the use of a shared phone number to receive information about disasters nationwide.

Civil defense level under current regulations in Vietnam

- The level of civil defense is the determination of the extent of measures applied by different levels of government within their management scope to respond to and overcome the consequences of disasters, serving as a basis for determining the responsibilities, measures, and resources of governments, agencies, organizations, and individuals in civil defense.

- The basis for determining civil defense levels includes:

+ The scope of impact, potential spread, and possible consequences of the disaster;

+ Geographical location, natural conditions, society, population, and specific national defense and security situations of the affected area;

+ Developments, damage extent, and damages caused by the disaster;

+ Local government and civil defense forces' capability to respond to and overcome disaster consequences.

- Civil defense levels are regulated as follows:

+ Civil defense level 1 is applied to respond to and overcome disaster consequences within the district level when developments and damage levels of the disaster exceed the response capability and conditions of specialized forces and local governments at the commune level.

+ Civil defense level 2 is applied to respond to and overcome disaster consequences within the provincial level when developments and damage levels of the disaster exceed the response capability and conditions of local governments at the district level.

+ Civil defense level 3 is applied to respond to and overcome disaster consequences within one or multiple provinces or centrally-run cities, when developments and damage levels of the disaster exceed the response capability and conditions of local governments at the provincial level.

(Article 7 of the Law on Civil Defense 2023)

Government policies regarding civil defense in Vietnam

- Prioritize investment in building specialized civil defense works according to the plan; procurement of civil defense equipment.

- Enhance the capacity of civil defense forces, build professional, modern, specialized forces; increase the dual-use equipment and vehicles for the armed forces.

- Mobilize resources from agencies, organizations, and individuals to perform civil defense activities.

- Develop, research, transfer, and apply advanced and modern science and technology in civil defense activities.

- Train and foster human resources, prioritize attracting high-quality human resources to ensure civil defense activities.

- Encourage and facilitate agencies, organizations, and individuals to voluntarily support civil defense activities with material, financial, and spiritual contributions that do not violate Vietnamese law and comply with international law.

- Ensure national reserves for civil defense activities.

(Article 5 of the Law on Civil Defense 2023)

More details can be found in the Law on Civil Defense 2023 which takes effect in Vietnam from July 1, 2024.

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE