In an urgent directive issued on September 21, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung instructed ministries, government agencies and local authorities to take proactive measures to respond to flooding and address its aftermath.

Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment showed that recent floods had killed three people, destroyed eight homes and damaged another 111, while nearly 20,000 houses had been inundated.

More than 5,000 homes in riverside and low-lying areas of Hanoi and Ninh Binh remained flooded.

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A landslide sent earth and three large rocks onto a road, blocking traffic. Photo: Khanh Ngoc

Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned that severe weather conditions were expected to remain complicated in the coming days, with flooding continuing in low-lying and riverside areas of Hanoi and Ninh Binh.

Particular concern surrounds the period from September 21 to 24, when Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong provinces, along with southern Vietnam, could receive 120-250mm of rain.

Some locations could see more than 400mm, raising the risks of deep flooding and landslides. Water levels on the Mekong River could also rise to the first warning level.

The prime minister instructed the standing body of the National Civil Defense Steering Committee, the ministries of Agriculture and Environment, National Defense and Public Security, other relevant ministries and agencies, and provincial and municipal authorities to closely monitor developments and adjust their response as conditions change.

Particular attention is to be given to heavy rain, flooding, inundation and landslide risks.

Six localities told to intensify disaster response

The directive called on authorities in areas affected by the recent floods or expected to face further severe weather to mobilize personnel and equipment.

Special attention was directed to Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Lam Dong.

Authorities were told to reach communities that remain deeply flooded or cut off and ensure residents receive food, drinking water and other essential supplies, with the prime minister stressing that no one should be left without adequate food.

Local governments were also instructed to continue inspections and identify danger zones as early as possible.

Residents, particularly older people, children and other vulnerable groups, should be evacuated from areas facing deep flooding or risks of landslides, flash floods and sudden mountain floods.

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Authorities cordon off the site of a collapsed bridge in Lam Dong Province. Photo: Khanh Ngoc

Authorities must station personnel at dangerous locations to control access, issue warnings and direct traffic.

People should not be allowed to cross flooded spillways or travel through areas affected by deep flooding, landslides or potential landslides when conditions cannot be guaranteed to be safe.

Local governments were also instructed to address urban flooding and protect dikes, reservoirs, dams and embankments used to safeguard agricultural production.

Vehicles, equipment and personnel must be kept ready for evacuation, rescue and emergency operations.

The prime minister specifically instructed the Ministry of National Defense to mobilize unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, to help local authorities survey vulnerable areas.

The drones are to be used to identify cracks and locations at risk of landslides or flash floods, allowing authorities to issue earlier warnings, take preventive measures and evacuate residents where necessary.

The Ministry of Public Security was instructed to deploy personnel to regulate traffic and maintain safety, security and public order in disaster-affected areas.

Police agencies and grassroots security forces were also told to remain ready to assist communities responding to heavy rain and flooding.

Kieu Oanh