Directive No. 21/2004/CT-TTg on flood and storm prevention and rescue work in 2004

 DIRECTIVE

On flood and storm prevention and control

and search and rescue operations in 2004

From the beginning of the year until now, there have been some unusual weather phenomena in the country, such as prolonged hot and dry conditions in some southern provinces; late severe cold spells combined with early heavy rains causing floods in several river basins in the northern region; large waves and strong winds coupled with high tides occurring in coastal areas of some central provinces... According to the forecast of the National Hydro-Meteorological Center, in 2004, it is necessary to be prepared for strong storms, major floods that may occur in certain areas and other unusual developments.

To take proactive measures in disaster prevention and control, search and rescue operations, and minimize losses to the lowest possible extent, the Prime Minister instructs the ministries, central agencies, and local authorities to perform the following tasks:

1. Promptly improve the organization of the Flood and Storm Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue Command at all levels and sectors; assign specific tasks and areas to members of the Command to carry out inspection, supervision, and guidance on flood and storm prevention and control and search and rescue operations according to plans and proposed scenarios.

2. Fully understand and effectively implement Decision No. 63/2002/QĐ-TTg dated May 20, 2002, of the Prime Minister on flood and storm prevention and control and disaster reduction, paying particular attention to:

- Reviewing specific flood and storm prevention and control and search and rescue plans, especially in key regions and areas, ensuring close coordination and leveraging comprehensive strength to proactively prevent and promptly respond to unfavorable situations;

- Inspecting, identifying, and promptly addressing issues related to dikes, embankments, sluices, water storage facilities, and flood and storm prevention and control works within their jurisdiction; planning relocation and protection of residents in deep-flooded areas, riverbeds, coastal zones, and hazardous landslide-prone areas;

- Ensuring a stockpile of materials, equipment, and personnel for flood and storm prevention and control and search and rescue operations, ready for immediate mobilization when incidents occur;

- In addition to directing the effective implementation of flood and storm prevention and control and search and rescue operations within their respective ministries and sectors, central ministries and agencies must review and inspect necessary forces, equipment, and materials, ensuring readiness to participate in flood and storm prevention and control and search and rescue operations as directed by the Prime Minister, the Central Flood and Storm Prevention and Control Steering Committee, and the Chairman of the National Search and Rescue Commission.

3. The Chairperson of the People's Committees at provincial level shall be responsible for comprehensively and directly mobilizing all resources of the locality according to regulations, implementing the principle of "four localities" (command at the scene; forces at the scene; materials, equipment, and funds at the scene; logistics at the scene) to effectively carry out flood and storm prevention and control and search and rescue operations and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters and accidents within their jurisdiction; in cases exceeding the capacity of the locality, they must promptly inform the Central Flood and Storm Prevention and Control Steering Committee, the National Search and Rescue Commission, and the Prime Minister.

4. The Central Flood and Storm Prevention and Control Steering Committee shall inspect and urge the implementation of Decision No. 63/2002/QĐ-TTg dated May 20, 2002, of the Prime Minister on flood and storm prevention and control and disaster reduction by ministries, sectors, and localities; direct and handle situations caused by natural disasters promptly and effectively, and mitigate the consequences caused by natural disasters.

5. The National Search and Rescue Commission shall develop plans for coordinating forces and equipment, directing, and organizing search and rescue operations; simultaneously closely coordinate with the Central Flood and Storm Prevention and Control Steering Committee, the Ministry of Defense, and relevant agencies and localities in flood and storm prevention and control and search and rescue operations.

6. The Ministry of National Defense shall plan the deployment of forces and equipment to closely coordinate with ministries, sectors, and localities, ready to participate in dike and dam rescue operations, flood and storm prevention and control works, and search and rescue operations; provide timely support for emergency situations caused by natural disasters. At the same time, direct the Vietnam Coast Guard to strengthen inspections of compliance with safety regulations for vessels operating under complex weather conditions.

7. The Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Fisheries shall strengthen state management over vessels operating on rivers and seas during the typhoon and flood season; inspect and urge the implementation of regulations on ensuring safety for people and vessels, minimizing losses caused by natural disasters and accidents to the lowest possible extent.

8. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall direct the National Hydro-Meteorological Center to closely monitor unusual weather and climate developments; continue to effectively perform forecasting, warning, and providing necessary information about flood and storm developments, closely coordinating with mass media organizations, particularly Vietnam Radio, Vietnam Television, and Vietnam News Agency to promptly and fully disseminate this information to enable people to proactively prevent and serve the direction of prevention and control.

Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of agencies under the Government, and Chairpersons of People's Committees of centrally governed cities shall be responsible for organizing the implementation of this Directive.

The Central Flood and Storm Prevention and Control Steering Committee and the National Search and Rescue Commission shall be responsible for monitoring, inspecting, urging the implementation of this Directive, and reporting results to the Prime Minister./.