VietNamNet Bridge – The Thai Binh northern province authorities on Friday, Dec 2, held a search and rescue drill to prepare for climate change and the rising sea level.

Participants during a search and rescue drill earlier this week in Thai Binh northern province. (Photo: VNS)

Deputy Minister of Public Security Dang Van Hieu said the rescue drill at sea was an important and regular activity of the police force which helped improve their sense of responsibility and capacity in natural calamities.

With more than 3,260km of seashore and more than 1 million square metres of territorial waters, Viet Nam was one of five countries suffering the most serious consequences of rising sea water and climate change, he said.

The manoeuvre included two duties: one was moving residents from the areas affected by rising sea water and floods and the other was rescuing people at sea.

The supposed circumstance in the drill was a storm centred on Thai Binh Province with wind speeds of 133kph. Many houses and buildings were submerged and most watch towers were destroyed. Some people on the towers called for help and many people and a lot of property was adrift at sea.

To resolve the situation, the Ministry of Public Security sent an express letter to the director of Thai Binh Police to mobilise search and rescue forces and put in action plans to maintain safety.

Chairman of the provincial People's Committee asked relevant bodies to move local residents and their properties to safe places.

Provincial leaders and members of Thai Binh Steering Committee for Climate Changes arrived on the scene and gave guidance to people on duty to move residents from dangerous areas.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News