Directive No. 157/1999/CT-BGTVT on flood and storm prevention and disaster mitigation work in the Transport Industry in 1999

DIRECTIVE

On Flood and Typhoon Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Disasters in 1999 in the Transport Industry

within the Transport Sector

____________________

In recent years, natural disasters have occurred in many places around the world and in the region. In our country, floods, typhoons, and other natural disasters have also continuously occurred in many regions; particularly in 1998, typhoons and floods were extremely severe in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands. From severe droughts and forest fires (March to October), from late October to early December, there were successive typhoons accompanied by heavy rains causing serious flooding in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, resulting in significant losses to people's livelihoods and the economy.

According to the report of the General Department of Hydro-Meteorology: Our country is currently strongly affected by the El Niño phenomenon and other global climate changes. The situation of rain, typhoons, and floods in 1999 will certainly be very complex, requiring thorough preparation to cope with dangerous natural disaster scenarios in the future.

To thoroughly review and accurately assess the extent of damage caused by typhoons and floods in 1998; to formulate plans and measures to mitigate damage and the impact of typhoons and floods on transport in 1999. The Minister of Transport instructs all Departments, Provincial Transport Services (Transport Construction), and units throughout the industry to implement the following tasks well:

1. Conduct a summary of flood and typhoon prevention work in 1998, accurately assess the extent of damage to people, property, and transportation infrastructure, including the value and volume of damage, bridges, culverts, roads damaged or washed away by floods and typhoons; analyze clearly both objective and subjective causes that led to significant damage to the transportation system, focusing on analyzing aspects such as survey and design, geological exploration, construction quality, unfinished roads, foundation, etc.

2. Based on practical guidance and handling of situations and incidents caused by floods and typhoons, seriously review and draw lessons learned about the preparation for and mitigation of natural disasters. Particularly for transportation in provinces in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, conduct in-depth research and develop specific solutions in construction projects suitable for the geographical and geological conditions of each area, ensuring "coexistence with floods."

3. Strengthen the Flood and Typhoon Control Command at all levels from the Ministry to individual units. Prepare plans for flood and typhoon prevention for each locality, region, and route, stockpile sufficient materials, equipment, bridge beams, pontoons, ferries, and boats for rescue operations when floods and typhoons occur. Inspect the safety level of ferry terminals and weak bridges to ensure traffic continuity.

The Vietnam Highway Administration directs the Highway Management Zones to coordinate with local authorities and Provincial Transport Services (Transport Construction) to plan and ensure smooth traffic flow along the North-South route and mountainous routes often blocked by landslides. Special attention must be given to protecting bridge piers from erosion, especially weak bridges where watercraft frequently pass.

The Vietnam Maritime Administration and the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration direct Provincial Transport Services (Transport Construction) and inspection agencies to strictly enforce inspection regulations, requiring ships operating at sea and on rivers to be equipped with life-saving devices and have means of rescue. Identify safe anchorage areas for ships during typhoons and widely disseminate this information through mass media.

The Vietnam Railway Association proactively formulates plans to ensure traffic flow along the North-South railway line and international transit lines: Hanoi - Lang Son, Hanoi - Lao Cai; pay special attention to railway tunnels prone to damage and sections often affected by landslides (especially passenger transfer plans).

The General Construction Corporations for Transportation shall develop flood and typhoon prevention plans for ongoing construction projects (paying particular attention to underwater and underground works); direct units under their jurisdiction building projects in various localities to actively coordinate, mobilize equipment, manpower, and local forces to promptly address the aftermath of floods and typhoons in their respective areas.

The Ministry requests all Departments, units, and Provincial Transport Services (Transport Construction) to urgently implement the contents of this Directive, submit reports summarizing 1998 and plans for flood and typhoon prevention in 1999 to the Ministry's Flood and Typhoon Control Command before April 20, 1998, for the Ministry to consolidate, evaluate, and draw general lessons for the entire sector./.