Prime Minister Nguyen Manh has issued an urgent directive requiring the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security to prepare rescue personnel and equipment to assist with emergency response efforts amid ongoing heavy rainfall in northern midland and mountainous areas.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha signed Directive No. 94 on behalf of the Prime Minister, calling on ministries, agencies, and local governments to take immediate action to mitigate the impact of torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides in the northern highlands and midlands.

According to the directive, from the night of June 20 through June 21, provinces including Thai Nguyen, Hoa Binh, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Bac Giang, and Bac Ninh experienced intense rainfall. Thai Nguyen was particularly affected, with rainfall ranging from 150 to 250 millimeters. Some areas, such as Gia Bay (312mm) and Cuc Duong (305mm), recorded exceptionally high rainfall.

Heavy rains caused the Cau River to rise, leading to widespread urban flooding in Bac Kan, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Bac Ninh, and Bac Giang. Thai Nguyen City and Pho Yen Town were the hardest hit. The flooding and landslides have resulted in two deaths, with numerous homes and agricultural lands inundated and damaged.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned that the downpours could continue from the night of June 21 through June 22 in northern mountainous regions. Flood levels on the Cau River in Thai Nguyen may exceed the highest warning level (level 3), with heightened risks of severe flooding in low-lying areas, landslides, and flash floods in multiple locations.

To protect lives and minimize damage, the Prime Minister has directed all relevant ministries and localities to act decisively, strictly implementing Directive No. 19, issued on June 19, which outlines measures for natural disaster prevention and response.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has been instructed to maintain a 24/7 operations center to monitor weather developments and provide timely forecasts and warnings to authorities and the public. It must proactively coordinate disaster prevention measures in accordance with its jurisdiction.

Provincial and municipal People's Committees must lead and implement effective, timely disaster response plans aligned with government directives. Specific tasks include regularly updating and disseminating disaster information, guiding residents on prevention measures, and preparing for evacuation of vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, children, and at-risk individuals in deeply flooded and landslide-prone areas. Authorities must also ensure food, essential supplies, and safety for displaced residents. Round-the-clock emergency response stations should be established to monitor flooding, ensure dam and dike safety, and manage traffic safety.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Construction are required to oversee safety measures for infrastructure under their purview, especially for agricultural production, irrigation and hydroelectric dams, dike systems, and electricity supply networks.

The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security must direct military and police forces stationed in affected areas to remain on standby with equipment and personnel, ready to assist with rescue and flood response operations upon request from local authorities.

Thanh Hue