Decree No. 30/2017/ND-CP on organization and operation of emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue

DECREE

REGULATIONS ON THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE

Pursuant to the Law on Government Organization dated June 19, 2015;

BASED ON THE LAW ON PREVENTIONNo.natural disaster day June 19, 2013;

"Based on the proposal of the Minister of National Defense;"

THE GOVERNMENT ISSUES THIS DECREE ON THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE.No.natural disasters and search and rescue.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

THIS DECREE REGULATES THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE, INCLUDING: THE SYSTEM OF ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE; EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND SIMULATIONS; BUDGET SOURCES AND BUDGET TASK DELEGATION; EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS; RESPONSIBILITIES OF MINISTRIES, GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES, PEOPLE'S COMMITTEES AT ALL LEVELS, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND ECONOMIC ORGANIZATIONS IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE.

Article 2. Applicability

THIS DECREE APPLIES TO ORGANIZATIONS, HOUSEHOLDS, AND INDIVIDUALS (HEREINAFTER COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS SUBJECTS) IN VIETNAM; FOREIGN ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS RELATED TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE, SIMULATION OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE IN VIETNAM AND THE SEARCH AND RESCUE RESPONSIBILITY AREA MANAGED BY VIETNAM.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Decree, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. BASIC INCIDENT SITUATIONS ARE SITUATIONS CAUSED BY NATURAL DISASTERS OR HUMAN ACTIVITY LEADING TO INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS THAT POSE A THREAT OR RESULT IN LOSSES TO PERSONNEL, MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, PROPERTY, MATERIALS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND DAMAGE, NECESSITATING TIMELY AND APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO MITIGATE DAMAGE TO THE GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE. INCLUDING:

a) MARINE ACCIDENTS OF SHIPS AND BOATS;

b) OIL SPILLS;

c) FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS ON OFFSHORE PLATFORMS AND PIPELINES FOR OIL AND GAS;

d) LARGE FIRES IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS, URBAN AREAS, INDUSTRIAL ZONES, AND POPULATION DENSE AREAS;

đ) COLLAPSE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS, AND MINING SHAFTS;

e) RADIATION LEAKAGE, NUCLEAR RADIATION, AND RELEASE OF TOXIC CHEMICALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION;

g) EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS;

h) SEVERE ROAD, RAILWAY, AND INLAND WATERWAY TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS;

i) AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS OCCURRING ON VIETNAMESE TERRITORY;

k) DAM FAILURE AND FLOOD RELEASE;

l) FOREST FIRES;

m) STORMS, TROPICAL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEMS, FLOODS, FLOODING; FLASH FLOODS, LANDSLIDES, ROCKFALLS, AND OTHER INCIDENTS CAUSED BY NATURAL DISASTERS.

2. EMERGENCY RESPONSE OPERATIONS TO INCIDENTS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE ARE NECESSARY, TIMELY, AND APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO LOCATE AND RESCUE PERSONNEL, MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, PROPERTY, MATERIALS, AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE AREA WHERE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED TO REDUCE THE CONSEQUENCES CAUSED BY THE INCIDENT TO THE GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE.

3. SEARCH IS THE USE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF PERSONNEL AND MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION IN DISTRESS.

4. RESCUE IS THE ACTIVITY OF REMOVING PERSONNEL IN DISTRESS FROM DANGER TO SAVE THEIR LIVES, INCLUDING INITIAL MEDICAL ADVICE AND OTHER MEASURES TO TRANSFER PERSONNEL IN DISTRESS TO A SAFE LOCATION.

5. RECOVERY IS THE ACTIVITY OF REMOVING MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND PROPERTY FROM DANGER OR PROVIDING ASSISTANCE (INCLUDING PULLING AND PUSHING) TO MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION IN DANGER, IMPLEMENTED THROUGH CONTRACTS UPON REQUEST OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS.

6. FACILITY IS A GENERIC TERM FOR FACTORIES, WORKSHOPS, WAREHOUSES, OFFICE BUILDINGS, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, THEATERS, HOTELS, MARKETS, SHOPPING CENTERS, MILITARY CAMPS, AND OTHER STRUCTURES WITHIN COMMUNE, WARD, AND TOWN LIMITS.

ARTICLE 4. PRINCIPLES OF THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE

1. INFORMATION ABOUT INCIDENTS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE MUST BE PROMPTLY AND TIMELY NOTIFIED TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES WHERE THE INCIDENT, NATURAL DISASTER, OR SEARCH AND RESCUE OCCURS AND THE LEAD AGENCY.

2. BE PROACTIVE AND READY WITH HUMAN RESOURCES, MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION, AND EQUIPMENT FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN EACH REGION AND CASE CHARACTERISTICS; MAXIMIZE THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF THE ENTIRE POPULATION AND PARTICIPATING FORCES IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE. GRADUALLY ENHANCE CIVIL CAPABILITIES IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE, WITH THE MILITARY AS THE CORE FORCE.

3. IMPLEMENT THE FOUR-LOCATIONS PRINCIPLE TO BE READY FOR TIMELY AND EFFECTIVE EMERGENCY RESPONSE. PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO SAVING LIVES BEFORE PROPERTY AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN AN INCIDENT OCCURS.

4. UNIFIED COMMAND AND CLOSE COORDINATION AMONG MOBILIZED FORCES PARTICIPATING IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND SEARCH AND RESCUE THROUGHOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS.

5. ENSURE SAFETY FOR PERSONNEL AND MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION PARTICIPATING IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE; STRUCTURES AND MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION OPERATING IN THE AREA OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND SEARCH AND RESCUE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT; MINIMIZE INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS.

Chapter II

THE SYSTEM OF ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMANDING BODIES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS AND NATURAL DISASTERS AND SEARCH AND RESCUE FROM THE CENTRAL TO LOCAL LEVEL

Article 5. System of organizations for emergency response to natural disasters and search and rescue

1. National level: The National Steering Committee for Emergency Response to Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue.

2. Ministry and sector level: The Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Search and Rescue.

3. Local level: The Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Search and Rescue at various levels (provincial and centrally governed cities; district and county levels under provinces and centrally governed cities; commune and ward levels under districts and counties).

4. Specialized units

a) Ministry of National Defense:

The Rescue and Salvage Bureau;

The National Training Center for Air Search and Rescue;

The National Training Center for Maritime Search and Rescue;

The National Training and Education Center for Emergency Response to Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue;

The Northern Oil Spill Response Center;

The Central Oil Spill Response Center;

The Search and Rescue Working Dog Training Center.

b) Ministry of Public Security:

Units of the Firefighting and Rescue Police Force.

c) Ministry of Transport:

The Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center under the Vietnam Maritime Administration and regional maritime search and rescue coordination centers;

The Vietnam Civil Aviation Search and Rescue Coordination Center under the Civil Aviation Management Corporation;

Emergency Cooperation Centers of Vietnamese Airports.

d) Ministry of Industry and Trade:

The Southern Oil Spill Response Center under the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group;

The Mine Rescue Center under the Vietnam Coal-Mineral Industries Group.

5. Dual-purpose units

a) Ministry of National Defense:

Search and Rescue Coordination Stations: Cô Tô (Quảng Ninh), Bạch Long Vĩ (Hải Phòng), Cồn Cỏ (Quảng Trị), Lý Sơn (Quảng Ngãi), Trường Sa (Khánh Hòa), Phú Quý (Bình Thuận), Côn Đảo (Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu), Thổ Chu (Kiên Giang), Hòn Khoai (Cà Mau), Song Tử Tây (Khánh Hòa);

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Incident Response Centers in the North, Central, and South regions;

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Teams: Collapse Rescue Team; Environmental Remediation Team; Disaster Medical Assistance Team; Search and Rescue Working Dog Team; Marine Search and Rescue Vessel Team;

Engineering Battalions for Search and Rescue and Building Collapse Rescue;

CBRN Incident Response Teams;

Air Search and Rescue Teams;

Mobile Communication Teams for Disaster Response and Relief;

Units of Military Regions, Corpses, Services, Border Guard, Coast Guard, Command of Hanoi Capital, Command for Protecting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Arms, Armies, Academies, Schools, and General Departments;

b) Ministry of Public Security:

Units of Traffic Police and Mobile Police Forces;

The Working Dog Training and Utilization Center.

c) Ministry of Health:

The 115 Emergency Center and the emergency departments of hospitals.

6. Cooperating and Voluntary Organizations

a) Red Cross Society;

b) Non-Governmental Organizations, Social Organizations, and Volunteer Groups.

Article 6. Structure, Position, Functions, Tasks, and Authorities of the National Steering Committee for Emergency Response to Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue

1. Structure

a) Chairman: Deputy Prime Minister.

b) Vice Chairmen:

One leader from the Ministry of National Defense or the Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, serving as the permanent vice chairman;

One Deputy Director of the Government Office;

One leader from the Ministry of Public Security;

One leader from the Ministry of Transport;

One leader from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

c) Members of the Committee include representatives from leaders of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies: Industry and Trade, Natural Resources and Environment, Health, Construction, Science and Technology, Information and Communications, Education and Training, Home Affairs, Finance, Planning and Investment, Foreign Affairs, Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam Radio; the Secretary of the National Steering Committee for Emergency Response to Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue, serving as a permanent member;

d) Members of the National Steering Committee for Emergency Response to Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue work on a dual basis;

đ) The Chairman and the permanent Vice Chairman of the National Steering Committee for Emergency Response to Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue are appointed by the Prime Minister;

e) Heads of agencies specified in Article 6 of this Decree shall assign officials to serve as members of the National Steering Committee for Emergency Response to Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue, to be decided by the Chairman of the National Steering Committee for Emergency Response to Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue and reported to the Prime Minister.

2. Position and Function

a) The National Steering Committee for Emergency Response to Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue is a multi-sector coordinating body with the function of assisting the Government and the Prime Minister in directing and organizing the coordination to implement emergency response activities to natural disasters and search and rescue throughout the country and regional and international cooperation; directly directing the Steering Committees for Flood and Storm Prevention and Search and Rescue at the ministry, sector, and local levels and specialized and dual-purpose units to carry out emergency response and search and rescue activities;

b) The National Steering Committee for Emergency Response to Natural Disasters and Search and Rescue has legal personality, a seal bearing the State Emblem; it may open accounts at the State Treasury and banks in accordance with the law.

3. Tasks and Authorities

a) Assist the Government and the Prime Minister in directing ministries, sectors, and localities in building strategies, planning, long-term plans, five-year plans, annual plans, and important projects and programs related to emergency response to natural disasters and search and rescue. Direct implementation, inspection of strategies, plans, projects, and programs after approval;

b) Direct the organization and construction of specialized and dual-purpose forces for emergency response to natural disasters and search and rescue nationwide;

c) Direct specialized and dual-purpose units of ministries, sectors, and localities to organize the collection, research, and evaluation of domestic and international situations relevant to their tasks of emergency response to natural disasters and search and rescue, maintaining a direct command system from the National Search and Rescue Control Center to the various levels of Steering Committees for Flood and Storm Prevention and Search and Rescue, ensuring smooth and timely command.

d) Direct, mobilize, and coordinate the forces and means of ministries, sectors, and localities to participate in responding to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations throughout the country in cases of large-scale emergencies, widespread natural disasters. Recommend the Prime Minister to consider and decide on participation and coordination of regional and international cooperation activities related to emergency response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue when issues exceed their authority. In basic situations:

- Direct the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of National Defense, the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies to rescue maritime accidents involving ships and vessels;

- Direct the Ministries of National Defense, Industry and Trade, Natural Resources and Environment, the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies to respond to oil spills;

- Direct the Ministries of Industry and Trade, National Defense, Public Security, the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies to respond to fires and explosions at drilling platforms, oil pipelines, and gas pipelines;

- Direct the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defense, the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies to respond to major fires in high-rise buildings, urban areas, industrial zones, and residential areas;

- Direct the Ministries of Construction, Industry and Trade, Transport, National Defense, Public Security, the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies to respond to collapses of construction projects, high-rise buildings, and mining tunnels;

- Direct the Ministries of Science and Technology, National Defense, Public Security, Industry and Trade, Natural Resources and Environment, the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies to respond to radioactive leaks, nuclear radiation incidents, and chemical and environmental contamination;

- Direct the Ministries of National Defense, Transport, Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Technology, Public Security, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies to respond to earthquakes and tsunamis;

- Take the lead in coordinating with the National Traffic Safety Committee to direct the Ministries of Transport, Public Security, National Defense, Health, the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies to respond to serious road traffic accidents, railway accidents, and inland waterway accidents;

- Take the lead in coordinating with the National Civil Aviation Safety Committee to direct the Ministries of Transport, National Defense, Public Security, the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies to handle aircraft accidents;

- Coordinate with the Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control to direct the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, National Defense, Public Security, Industry and Trade, Natural Resources and Environment, the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies to handle breaches of dykes, dam failures, and flood releases;

- Coordinate with the Central Steering Committee for Urgent Issues in Forest Fire Prevention and Control to direct the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, National Defense, Public Security, the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies to handle forest fires;

- Coordinate with the Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control to direct the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, National Defense, Public Security, Transport, Natural Resources and Environment, Foreign Affairs, the People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces, and relevant agencies to handle typhoons, low-pressure systems, floods, flash floods, landslides, and other emergencies caused by natural disasters;

đ) Compile the annual budget estimate for the field of emergency response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue; coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning and Investment to establish and compile budget revenue and expenditure estimates within their jurisdiction to be submitted to the Government for presentation to the National Assembly; manage the organization and settlement of state budget expenditures for emergency response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue tasks; perform other state budget and financial tasks as prescribed by law;

e) Coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries to develop plans for purchasing goods for emergency response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue to report to the competent authority for approval of national reserve purchase plans in accordance with the Law on National Reserves;

g) Coordinate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment to review master plans, plans, proposals, and investment construction projects of ministries, sectors, and localities related to emergency response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue. Manage the procurement of essential and specialized equipment and investment construction projects within their authority as prescribed by law;

h) Coordinate with ministries, sectors, and localities:

- Study and plan the overall deployment of forces, plans, and strategies for responding to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations across the country, report to the Government and the Prime Minister;

- Train, instruct, conduct competitions, drills, and training for dedicated and part-time forces using equipment and handling plans and strategies for responding to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations; direct the development of educational and training programs for officials and civil servants on emergency response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue as prescribed by the Government;

- Develop and implement research and application plans for science and technology in the field of emergency response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue; coordinate with relevant agencies to manage scientific research content and mobilize the scientific and technological resources of the State and the people to serve emergency response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue operations;

- Manage external activities within the scope of emergency response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue; submit to the Government and the Prime Minister the content of international treaties to be signed, approve cooperation programs and projects with foreign countries in the field of emergency response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue, and organize implementation after approval. Participate in negotiations, sign, and organize the implementation of international treaties on coordinated emergency response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue as prescribed by law;

- Propaganda, dissemination, education on laws and information serving emergency response activities for accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations;

- Issuing permits, managing, supervising activities, and coordinating with foreign search and rescue forces in Vietnam in accordance with the law;

- Distributing, managing, using, preserving, maintaining, liquidating, and disposing of equipment and means for accident response, natural disaster management, and search and rescue operations in accordance with regulations;

- Directing, inspecting, summarizing, concluding, rewarding the implementation of emergency response activities for accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations at ministries, sectors, and localities in accordance with regulations;

i) Proposing to the Government and the Prime Minister social security policies, social insurance for specialized and part-time forces participating in emergency response tasks for accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations, and organizing their implementation in accordance with the law;

k) Performing other tasks and powers related to emergency response activities for accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations in accordance with the law and the requirements of competent authorities;

4. The Standing Office and Supporting Agencies of the National Committee for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue;

a) The Ministry of National Defense is the standing office of the National Committee for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue; it is responsible for ensuring operational conditions for the National Committee for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue and uses its own organizational structure to implement the Committee's tasks;

b) The dedicated supporting agency for the National Committee for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue is the National Committee's Office for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue, which has legal personality, a seal, and an account opened at the State Treasury and bank for its operations; its functions, tasks, organizational structure, and staffing are decided by the Chairman of the National Committee for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue. When necessary, the National Committee's Office for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue reports and proposes to the Minister of National Defense and the Chairman of the National Committee for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue to strengthen dispatched experts from relevant ministries and sectors;

Article 7. Organization and Tasks of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue of Ministries, Equivalent Ministries, and Government Agencies;

1. The Ministries of National Defense, Public Security, Transport, Agriculture and Rural Development shall establish permanent agencies operating on a full-time basis to provide advice and support to the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue and the respective Ministers regarding state management work within the scope of emergency response for accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations under the responsibility of the respective ministries and sectors;

2. The organization and tasks of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue of ministries, equivalent ministries, and government agencies shall be implemented in accordance with Article 19 of Decree No. 66/2014/ND-CP dated July 4, 2014, of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the provisions of this Decree;

Article 8. Organization and Tasks of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at Provincial, District, and Commune Levels;

1. Military agencies at all levels shall take the lead in advising the People's Committees at the same level on emergency response activities for accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations according to the directives of the Ministry of National Defense. The Provincial Military Command and the Military Command of centrally governed cities shall be staffed with dedicated personnel to carry out emergency response activities for accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations;

2. Fire prevention and firefighting rescue agencies at all levels shall take the lead in advising the People's Committees at the same level on emergency response activities for large-scale fires in high-rise buildings, urban areas, industrial zones, and residential areas;

3. The organization and tasks of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at provincial, district, and commune levels shall be implemented in accordance with Articles 20, 21, and 22 of Decree No. 66/2014/ND-CP dated July 4, 2014, of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the provisions of this Decree.

Article 9. Organization and tasks of specialized and concurrent units under the ministry

Based on requirements and tasks for responding to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations, the Minister decides on the establishment of specialized and concurrent units within the scope of management of the ministry.

Chapter III

RESPONSE TO EMERGENCIES, NATURAL DISASTERS AND SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS

Article 10.分级应对

1. 分工、分级责任和配合在应对各种事故和搜救行动中的职责。

a) In cases where accidents and search and rescue situations occur at the grassroots level (communes, wards, towns), they must proactively organize responses and mitigate consequences. If the situation exceeds their self-response capacity, they must report to the Higher-Level Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control and Search and Rescue for timely mobilization of forces to support rescue efforts.

b) When the situation occurs over a wide area involving multiple localities, the Steering Committees for Flood and Storm Control and Search and Rescue in the affected localities shall cooperate in response.

c) When the situation exceeds the response capacity of ministries, sectors, and localities, it must be reported immediately to the National Steering Committee for Response to Emergencies, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue (through the Office of the National Steering Committee for Response to Emergencies, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue) for guidance on response measures.

If necessary, under the direction and management of the National Steering Committee for Response to Emergencies, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue, a Response Steering Committee will be established including representatives from relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to uniformly mobilize forces from other ministries, sectors, and localities to support rescue efforts. In cases exceeding the authority of the National Steering Committee for Response to Emergencies, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue, it shall report to the Prime Minister for decisions on response measures.

2. Division of responsibilities and coordination in responding to disaster situations shall be carried out in accordance with Articles 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Decree No. 66/2014/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2014 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Prevention and Control of Natural Disasters.

3. In cases requiring cooperation with foreign search and rescue forces in responding to incidents and conducting search and rescue operations on Vietnamese territory or under Vietnamese management, such cooperation shall be implemented in accordance with laws governing permission and coordination with foreign search and rescue forces in Vietnam.

Article 11. Development of emergency response and search and rescue plans

1. Agencies, organizations, and localities shall proactively develop emergency response and search and rescue plans; these plans shall be adjusted annually and periodically to suit actual conditions.

2. The National Steering Committee for Response to Emergencies, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue shall guide the competent bodies of the Steering Committees for Flood and Storm Control and Search and Rescue of ministries, sectors, and localities in developing emergency response and search and rescue plans within their assigned fields.

Article 12. Reception and processing of information, notifications, and alarms

1. Information related to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations shall be reported to the competent body of the Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control and Search and Rescue at the same level for verification and handling.

2. After receiving information about emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations occurring, ministries, sectors, and provincial people's committees at the same level have the responsibility to notify subordinate agencies, organizations, and the public, and to report to the competent body of the Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control and Search and Rescue at the higher level as prescribed.

3. Mass media outlets from central to local levels have the responsibility to promptly inform organizations, individuals, and the public about news related to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations.

Article 13. Handling Emergencies, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue Operations

1. When there are forecasts, warnings, notifications, alarms of potential risks, or when emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations occur, the heads of ministries, sectors, and People's Committees at all levels shall be responsible for organizing and maintaining the operation of the permanent offices for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at each level as decided by the competent authority as prescribed in this Decree.

2. In case of an emergency, based on the severity of the situation, it is necessary to immediately establish a field command post equipped with all necessary equipment to operate 24/7; a field command information system and connection to the higher-level Command Board for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue, and the National Committee for Response to Emergencies, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue to provide guidance.

a) Military agencies advise the same-level People's Committee to establish a command post for situations of emergencies and natural disasters as specified in points a, b, c, d, e, g, h, i, k, l, m of Clause 1, Article 3 of this Decree;

b) Fire prevention and firefighting and rescue agencies advise the same-level People's Committee to establish a command post for large-scale fire emergencies in high-rise buildings, urban areas, industrial zones, and residential areas.

3. Direct the implementation of urgent measures to protect the lives and property of citizens and the state, inspect works, means of transport, and forces that can be mobilized for use when necessary; manage and command forces, means of transport, equipment, and specialized materials for response, search and rescue operations, and remediation of consequences. The authorities and responsibilities of agencies and organizations in handling emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations shall be carried out according to the provisions of Articles 7, 8, 9, and 10 of Decree No. 66/2014/NĐ-CP dated July 4, 2014, of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain articles of the Law on Disaster Prevention and Control, and the provisions of Articles 14 and 15 of this Decree.

Article 14. Mechanism for Command and Control

1. The Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the National Committee for Response to Emergencies, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue shall direct responses to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations when serious incidents occur nationwide.

2. Ministers of ministries, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and agencies under the Government shall direct and manage responses to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations within their respective agencies and units, and guide the implementation of such responses within their sectors nationwide according to the division of labor by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Chairman of the National Committee for Response to Emergencies, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue.

3. Chairmen of People's Committees at all levels within their duties and powers shall direct and organize the implementation of responses to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations in accordance with the law.

Article 15. Authority to Mobilize Human Resources, Means, Equipment, and Materials

1. The Chairmen of People's Committees at the district and commune levels have the authority to mobilize human resources, materials, means of transport, machinery, and equipment of organizations and individuals under their management for emergency response and search and rescue operations at the local level. In cases exceeding their capacity and authority, they must promptly report to the higher-level People's Committee and the Command Board for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue.

2. The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee has the authority to mobilize human resources, materials, means of transport, machinery, and equipment of organizations and individuals under their management for emergency response and search and rescue operations. In cases exceeding their capacity and authority, they must promptly report to the National Committee for Response to Emergencies, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue.

3. The Head of the Command Board for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue of ministerial-level agencies and agencies equivalent to ministries has the authority to mobilize human resources, materials, means of transport, machinery, and equipment of organizations and individuals under their management for emergency response and search and rescue operations.

4. The Chairman of the National Committee for Response to Emergencies, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue decides to mobilize or reports and proposes the Prime Minister to decide on mobilizing resources and measures for emergency response and search and rescue operations in cases exceeding the capacity of localities and ministries.

5. Those authorized to decide on mobilizing human resources, materials, means of transport, machinery, and equipment of organizations and individuals under their management are responsible for deciding on payment from the state budget for organizations and individuals participating in emergency response and search and rescue activities or compensating losses for organizations and individuals mobilized according to the regulations of the Ministry of Finance.

Chapter IV

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND DRILLS FOR RESPONSE TO EMERGENCIES, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS

Article 16. Education, Training, and Drills

1. State agencies and organizations at all levels shall use mass media and other forms within their functions and tasks to promote awareness, educate consciousness, responsibility, and disseminate basic knowledge on disaster response, natural calamities, and search and rescue operations to the entire population.

2. The enhancement, training, drills, dissemination of knowledge, and measures for disaster response, natural calamities, and search and rescue operations for specialized and part-time forces shall be organized annually according to the guidelines of the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Natural Calamities, and Search and Rescue Operations, relevant ministries and sectors, and People's Committees at all levels.

3. Based on their functions and tasks, ministries and sectors shall take the lead and coordinate with the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Natural Calamities, and Search and Rescue Operations to determine the content, organization, and methods of training for disaster response, natural calamities, and search and rescue operations in annual training programs.

4. Drills for disaster response, natural calamities, and search and rescue operations at each locality, agency, and organization shall be organized by the Chairperson of the People's Committee of the locality, the head of the agency or organization, under the guidance of the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Natural Calamities, and Search and Rescue Operations and their direct superiors.

Article 17. Duration of Education and Training

1. The annual training duration for disaster response, natural calamities, and search and rescue operations for specialized and part-time forces shall be a minimum of 3% of the total professional training time according to the training program of the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. The Ministry of Education and Training shall stipulate the training duration for disaster response and search and rescue operations in the training program for each academic year for students and trainees in academies and schools.

3. For students in general education institutions, education on disaster response, natural calamities, and search and rescue operations shall be integrated into the subjects of the general education curriculum.

Chapter V

SPECIAL REGIME AND POLICIES FOR PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN DISASTER RESPONSE, NATURAL CALAMITIES, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS

Article 18. Regime for On-Duty Personnel

1. Level of benefit

Personnel on duty at the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Natural Calamities, and Search and Rescue Operations; personnel on duty at the Command Center for Flood Control and Search and Rescue Operations at various levels under ministries, sectors, and localities shall enjoy night shift allowances (starting from 22:00) as follows:

- Level 1: Those on duty for four hours or more per day shall receive an additional meal allowance per day equal to 4% multiplied by the current base salary.

- Level 2: Those on duty for two to less than four hours shall receive an additional meal allowance equal to 2% multiplied by the current base salary.

2. Number of On-Duty Personnel

a) At the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Natural Calamities, and Search and Rescue Operations, the number shall be determined by the Chairperson of the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Natural Calamities, and Search and Rescue Operations.

b) At the Command Center for Flood Control and Search and Rescue Operations at various levels, the number shall be determined by the Head of the Command Center for Flood Control and Search and Rescue Operations at provincial-level ministries, sectors, and localities.

3. Costs for on-duty personnel shall be included in the regular budget for implementing disaster response, natural calamities, and search and rescue operations tasks of ministries, sectors, and localities.

Article 19. Treatment for persons mobilized to perform tasks in response to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations

1. Persons not receiving salary from the state budget during the time they are mobilized to perform tasks in response to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations according to the decision of the competent authority shall be entitled to the following treatment:

a) They shall be granted daily labor allowance according to the level set by the People's Committee of the province for each profession. For unskilled workers, the minimum daily allowance shall be 0.1 times the base salary; for workers directly related to radioactive materials, biological agents, and toxic chemicals, the minimum daily allowance shall also be 0.1 times the base salary; if performing tasks from 22:00 on the previous day until 06:00 on the next day, it shall be doubled; when working under hazardous conditions, they shall be provided with on-site allowances according to the provisions of the law;

b) When performing tasks far from their place of residence without the possibility of returning home daily, they shall be provided with accommodation and meals by the mobilizing entity, or transportation expenses shall be covered or reimbursed for train tickets according to the travel allowance regulations of the Ministry of Finance; they shall be supported with meal expenses at the level set by the People's Committee of the province;

c) The entity that mobilizes shall ensure payment.

2. Persons receiving salary from the state budget, during the time they are mobilized to perform tasks in response to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations according to the decision of the competent authority shall continue to receive their full salary and allowances from their workplace; travel allowances and transportation costs shall be reimbursed; when working in a hazardous environment with regional allowances, they shall be entitled to current benefits.

Costs for the above items are included in the regular operating budget of the agency or unit.

3. Self-defense militia officers and reservists mobilized to perform tasks in response to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations according to the decision of the competent authority shall be entitled to benefits as prescribed by law.

Article 20. Treatment and policies for those participating in emergency response, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations who fall ill, suffer accidents, or die

1. Persons participating in emergency response, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations who fall ill or suffer accidents in the following cases shall be entitled to sick leave and work injury benefits according to the Labor Law, Social Insurance Law, and Occupational Safety and Health Law (from the time of mobilization, starting to carry out the task until completion and return to their place of residence):

a) Falling ill or suffering accidents while performing duties at the workplace, including during and outside working hours, as decided by the competent authority;

b) Falling ill or suffering accidents on the way to and from the duty location from their place of residence, with confirmation from the local authorities where they reside;

c) Sick leave benefits shall not be granted in cases where illness is self-inflicted, caused by drunkenness, or the use of narcotics or precursor substances listed in Decree No. 82/2013/ND-CP dated July 19, 2013, issued by the Government on lists of narcotics and precursor substances, and Decree No. 126/2015/ND-CP dated December 9, 2015, issued by the Government amending and supplementing the list of narcotics and precursor substances issued in Decree No. 82/2013/ND-CP dated July 19, 2013, on lists of narcotics and precursor substances.

2. Treatment and policies for those who fall ill or suffer accidents

a) For those participating in mandatory social insurance who fall ill, suffer accidents, or die while performing tasks, they shall be entitled to benefits according to the Social Insurance Law, Occupational Safety and Health Law, and Medical Insurance Law;

b) For those not participating in mandatory social insurance:

- If they fall ill: Participants in emergency response, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations who fall ill while performing tasks and have not participated in medical insurance shall be reimbursed for medical examination and treatment expenses according to the standards for those who have participated in medical insurance;

- If they suffer accidents:

+ They shall be reimbursed for medical expenses during initial first aid, emergency care, and treatment until stable recovery and discharge;

+ After treatment, they shall be referred by the competent authority for labor capacity assessment by the Medical Examination Board according to the provisions of the law;

+ In cases where a person who has not participated in social insurance suffers a reduction in labor capacity of 5%, they shall be entitled to five times the base salary, and for every additional 1% reduction, they shall be entitled to an additional half times the base salary;

+ Those suffering accidents resulting in the loss of one or more body parts or functions, manifesting in various disabilities, reducing their ability to function, making labor, living, and studying difficult shall be entitled to preferential benefits according to the law for disabled persons;

- In cases of death, including death during the initial treatment period, if the deceased has not participated in social insurance, the person directly responsible for burial shall receive funeral expenses equal to ten times the base salary, and the family shall receive a one-time allowance equal to thirty-six times the base salary.

3. The funds for payments due to illness or accidents shall be guaranteed by the state budget. For those participating in medical insurance, medical examination and treatment expenses shall be paid by the medical insurance fund; for those participating in mandatory social insurance, benefits shall be paid by the social insurance fund.

4. For those participating in health insurance, the costs of medical examination and treatment shall be covered by the health insurance fund; for those participating in mandatory social insurance, the benefits shall be covered by the social insurance fund.

Article 21. Treatment and policies for those injured or sacrificed

Those participating in responding to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations when performing tasks to save people and state property, if they are injured or sacrificed, shall be considered to enjoy preferential treatment regimes and policies as prescribed by law.

Chapter VI

SOURCES OF THE BUDGET AND TASKS OF BUDGET EXPENDITURE FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO DISASTERS AND SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS

Article 22. Sources of budget guaranteeing activities

1. The state budget according to the current state budget classification.

2. Assistance and aid from governments of other countries, organizations, and individuals abroad, and voluntary contributions from domestic organizations and individuals for emergency response to disasters and search and rescue operations.

3. Revenue from service contracts, contributions, and compensation from organizations and individuals as prescribed by law.

4. Provincial Disaster Prevention and Control Fund established by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

Article 23. Central budget expenditure tasks

1. Development expenditure

a) Expenditure on investment in construction of facilities serving emergency response to disasters and search and rescue operations managed by central ministries and agencies;

b) Expenditure on implementation of production projects, procurement of equipment and supplies serving emergency response to disasters and search and rescue operations managed by central ministries and agencies.

2. Operating expenditure

a) Expenditure for the regular operation of the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue, central agencies and units assigned with permanent disaster response and search and rescue tasks:

- Salary, wages, allowances, and social insurance contributions;

- Maintenance costs for emergency response and search and rescue equipment and means;

- Training, exercise, and inspection costs for emergency response and search and rescue;

- Education and scientific research costs;

- Production and procurement costs for regular and reserve materials and equipment serving specialized tasks of emergency response and search and rescue;

- Regular maintenance, storage, and transportation costs for emergency response and search and rescue equipment and means;

- Maintenance and repair costs for emergency response and search and rescue facilities;

- Maintenance and regular repair costs for headquarters buildings, ports, warehouses, training fields, infrastructure works, and working equipment;

- Registration, inspection, and insurance costs for emergency response and search and rescue equipment and means;

- Costs for foreign affairs work; information dissemination, communication; travel expenses; conferences; summarization, and rewards for units and individuals with outstanding achievements in emergency response and search and rescue operations.

b) Expenditure on urgent tasks arising during the year directly related to emergency response to disasters and search and rescue operations of forces under the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue, central agencies and units assigned with permanent disaster response and search and rescue tasks; other forces mobilized directly by these agencies and units within their authority:

- Costs for raw materials and life-saving means provided for urgent disaster response and search and rescue tasks;

- Additional food and subsistence allowance costs for forces participating in disaster response and search and rescue operations;

- Emergency medical care costs for victims and health assurance for forces participating in disaster response and search and rescue operations;

- Costs for hiring means and repairing means (if damaged due to external causes) mobilized for disaster response and search and rescue operations upon orders from competent state authorities;

- Compensation costs for organizations, individuals, and means owners participating in rescue operations but at risk due to natural disasters;

- Other costs directly related to disaster response and search and rescue operations.

Article 24. Local budget disbursement tasks

1. Development expenditure

a) Investment expenditure for construction of facilities serving emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations managed by local agencies and units;

b) Expenditure for implementation of production projects, procurement of equipment, and provision of supplies serving emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations managed by local agencies and units.

2. Operating expenditure

a) Expenditure for operation and maintenance of activities of agencies and units assigned with the task of standing-by for emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations at the local level, including:

- Salary, wages, allowances, and social insurance contributions;

- Registration, inspection, insurance, and maintenance costs for equipment serving readiness for emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations and standing-by for such responses;

- Training, inspection, and readiness assessment costs for emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations of agencies, units, forces assigned with the task of standing-by for such responses, and organizations, mass organizations, authorities, and people at the local level;

- Education and scientific research costs;

- Production and procurement costs for regular supplies serving the specialized tasks of emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations;

- Transportation, storage, and regular repair costs for equipment and means of emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations;

- Storage, major repair costs for equipment, infrastructure works, ports, warehouses, training grounds, and means of emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations;

- Costs for legal education, dissemination of knowledge on emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations for local officials and residents;

- Costs for drills on emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations in provinces and cities according to annual plans;

- Information, publicity, communication costs; administrative expenses;

- Costs for summarizing, rewarding units and individuals with outstanding achievements in local emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations;

b) Expenditure for urgent tasks arising during the year directly related to emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations of forces under agencies and units assigned with the task of standing-by for such responses at the local level; other forces mobilized directly by these agencies and units within their authority.

- Costs for raw materials and life-saving means provided for urgent disaster response and search and rescue tasks;

- Additional food and subsistence allowance costs for forces participating in disaster response and search and rescue operations;

- Emergency medical care costs for victims and health assurance for forces participating in disaster response and search and rescue operations;

- Costs for hiring means and repairing means (if damaged due to external causes) mobilized for disaster response and search and rescue operations upon orders from competent state authorities;

- Compensation costs for organizations, individuals, and means owners participating in rescue operations but at risk due to natural disasters;

- Other costs directly related to disaster response and search and rescue operations.

Chapter VII

EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO ACCIDENTS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS

Article 25. Types of Equipment

1. Equipment for emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations includes the following groups:

a) Air search and rescue equipment;

b) Marine and inland waterway search and rescue equipment;

c) Oil spill response equipment;

d) Firefighting and rescue equipment;

e) Building collapse rescue equipment;

f) Chemical, radioactive, biological, and nuclear accident response equipment;

g) Road and railway search and rescue equipment;

h) Search and rescue communication equipment;

i) Medical search and rescue equipment;

j) Other search and rescue equipment.

2. Annually, based on the Master Plan for Comprehensive Planning in the Field of Emergency Response to Accidents, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue Operations, ministries, sectors, and localities shall study, propose, and report to the Chairman of the National Steering Committee for Emergency Response to Accidents, Natural Disasters, and Search and Rescue Operations for decision on adjusting the quantity and types of equipment for emergency response to accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations to suit actual conditions.

Article 26. Priority Vehicles

1. Vehicles performing emergency response, disaster relief, and search and rescue missions for agencies, organizations, and individuals managing and using such vehicles shall be entitled to priority, including:

a) Command vehicles of agencies and units executing emergency response, disaster relief, and search and rescue missions;

b) Specialized vehicles for emergency response, disaster relief, and search and rescue missions that are transporting or executing tasks;

c) Other priority vehicles as prescribed by law.

2. Signals of priority vehicles

Command vehicles and specialized vehicles performing emergency response, disaster relief, and search and rescue missions shall display the "SEARCH AND RESCUE" priority flag on the left side of the vehicle's front end: The flag is rectangular with a red border measuring 20 cm wide and 30 cm long, a white background, and the logo of the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Search, and Rescue on the left, and the red text "SEARCH AND RESCUE" in the center of the flag.

3. Authority to issue signals for priority vehicles performing emergency response, disaster relief, and search and rescue missions shall be stipulated by the Chairman of the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Search, and Rescue.

Article 27. Work Uniforms

1. Units directly participating in emergency response, disaster relief, and search and rescue activities shall be provided with standardized work uniforms that facilitate task execution. The color, material, specifications, and service life shall be determined by the Chairman of the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Search, and Rescue.

2. Funding for work uniforms for agencies and units shall be allocated from their regular operational budgets.

Chapter VIII

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 28. Responsibilities of the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Search, and Rescue

1. Drafting regulations on the operation of the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Search, and Rescue for approval by the Prime Minister; establishing mechanisms for coordination, information exchange, reporting, and relationships between the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response, Search, and Rescue and the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Control Committees to ensure close cooperation and unified direction from central to local levels.

2. Collaborating with the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and related ministries and sectors to develop a plan for the organizational structure for disaster response, search, and rescue operations until 2030 and beyond.

3. Collaborating with the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, and related ministries and sectors to develop programs and content for propaganda, education, training, and drills for professional and part-time forces, officials, civil servants, students, trainees, and the general public regarding disaster response, search, and rescue operations.

4. Directing the permanent offices of disaster response, search, and rescue operations at ministries, sectors, and localities to advise heads of ministries, sectors, and provincial People's Committees on disaster response, search, and rescue operations; directing and commanding forces performing disaster response, search, and rescue missions according to approved plans.

5. Collaborating with ministries, sectors, and localities to direct the construction of facilities for disaster response, search, and rescue operations according to the planning scheme for disaster response, search, and rescue operations approved by the Prime Minister.

6. Developing and submitting to the Prime Minister for approval regulations on the operation, reception, exploitation, and use of the emergency communication system number 112 for disaster response, search, and rescue operations.

7. Updating and providing real-time information about the development of disaster situations to forecasting agencies to enhance meteorological and hydrological forecasts for disaster response and rescue operations.

8. Assisting the Prime Minister in organizing inspections, mid-term reviews, final summaries, and commendations for disaster response, search, and rescue operations.

Article 29. Responsibilities of ministries, sectors, agencies, and organizations at the central level

1. The Ministry of National Defense

a) Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs and relevant ministries and sectors to develop the Project on the System of Organizational Structure for Emergency Response to Disasters and Search and Rescue until 2030 and subsequent years to be submitted to the Government for consideration and decision;

b) Coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to implement tasks stipulated in Articles 28 and 29 of this Decree;

c) Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministries of Transport, Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Technology, Public Security, Agriculture and Rural Development, relevant ministries and sectors, and provincial People's Committees to develop national plans for responding to earthquakes, tsunamis, oil spills;

d) Take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to develop and guide systems and policies for emergency response forces to disasters and search and rescue operations;

đ) Direct Military Regions and local military authorities at all levels to advise their respective People's Committees on implementing disaster response and search and rescue operations according to assigned fields;

e) Direct and command subordinate agencies and units to organize forces and means for emergency response to disasters and search and rescue operations as prescribed;

2. Ministry of Public Security

a) Coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to implement tasks stipulated in Article 29 of this Decree;

b) Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense, relevant ministries and sectors, and provincial People's Committees to develop national plans for responding to large-scale fires in high-rise buildings, urban areas, industrial zones, residential areas; manage and utilize specialized police forces for fire prevention, firefighting, rescue, and evacuation duties as prescribed;

c) Take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors and local authorities to ensure political security and social order and safety in affected areas during disaster response and search and rescue operations;

d) Direct agencies and units to organize forces and means for emergency response to disasters and search and rescue operations as prescribed;

3. The Ministry of Transport

a) Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministries of National Defense, Public Security, Health, relevant ministries and sectors, and provincial People's Committees to develop national plans for responding to maritime vessel accidents, serious road traffic accidents, inland waterway traffic accidents, and aircraft accidents occurring within Vietnam. Implement plans and schemes for using forces, means, equipment, and materials to perform disaster response and search and rescue tasks; direct search and rescue teams under the transport sector; when incidents occur, direct and guide localities to organize transportation teams to evacuate people and means to safe areas, provide logistics support, and transfer casualties;

b) Coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to direct maritime and aviation sectors in issuing permits and coordinating with foreign forces and means to carry out search and rescue operations in accordance with the law;

c) Take the lead in disseminating laws and enhancing community awareness among entities involved in maritime activities regarding maritime safety, maritime security, disaster prevention, and search and rescue;

d) Take the lead in implementing international agreements, accords, and conventions on maritime and aviation search and rescue and ensuring human life safety at sea that Vietnam has joined;

đ) Mobilize means and personnel from organizations and individuals tasked with managing and maintaining routes and channels to regulate, control, and ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent collisions and impacts on critical bridges along national inland waterways to maintain continuous connectivity for road, rail, and inland waterway systems;

4. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

a) Coordinate with the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue and relevant ministries and sectors to implement tasks stipulated in Article 29 of this Decree;

b) Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministries of National Defense, Public Security, Industry and Trade, Transport, Natural Resources and Environment, Foreign Affairs, and relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to develop national plans for responding to dam breaches, forest fires, typhoons, low pressure systems, floods, flash floods, landslides, and other types of natural disasters;

c) Coordinate in developing plans and ensuring food supplies to meet requirements for disaster response and search and rescue operations in all scenarios;

5. Ministry of Industry and Trade

a) Take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to direct and guide handling of explosions and collapses in mines of nuclear power plants, coal, oil, chemical, and industrial explosives facilities;

b) Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministries of National Defense, Public Security, relevant ministries and sectors, and provincial People's Committees to develop national plans for responding to offshore platform fires, oil and gas pipeline accidents, mine collapse accidents, and toxic chemical accidents; guide related localities to prepare plans and forces and means to respond to oil spills and toxic chemical accidents as prescribed;

6. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

a) Organize meteorological and hydrological monitoring, investigation, survey, and data collection activities;

b) Direct the implementation of forecasts and warnings, providing timely and comprehensive forecast and warning information related to meteorology, hydrology, and marine conditions to the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue, relevant ministries and sectors, localities, and mass media as prescribed;

7. The Ministry of Health

a) Direct and guide healthcare facilities, hospitals, research institutes, preventive health centers to prepare medicines, medical equipment, and mobile emergency response forces for casualty treatment, transportation, and prophylactic treatment;

b) Direct subordinate agencies, organizations, and units to prepare medicines, medical equipment, mobile emergency response forces for casualty treatment, transportation, and prophylactic treatment, environmental sanitation, and epidemic control;

8. The Ministry of Construction

a) Review, issue within their authority or submit to competent authorities for issuance guidance and directives on implementing regulatory legal documents ensuring safety for construction projects in accordance with the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the provisions of this Decree; take the lead in coordinating and guiding localities in implementing planning for sustainable urban development and disaster response and climate change adaptation.

b) Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministries of National Defense, Public Security, Industry and Trade, Transport, Agriculture and Rural Development, Health and other relevant ministries and localities to develop plans for responding to construction project collapse incidents.

9. The Ministry of Science and Technology

Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministries of National Defense, Public Security, Industry and Trade, Natural Resources and Environment and other relevant ministries and agencies to develop national plans for responding to radioactive leakage and nuclear radiation incidents.

10. The Ministry of Information and Communications

a) Take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to unify regulations on direct control frequencies and emergency rescue frequencies, and develop plans to ensure priority use of communication means for command and control in responding to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations.

b) Coordinate with the Ministries of National Defense and Natural Resources and Environment to establish a communication network for information dissemination and alerts between observation stations, research centers, and the central bodies responsible for disaster prevention and search and rescue at all levels.

c) Direct Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Corporation to build a common emergency communication system using the number 112 for disaster response and search and rescue operations; guide telecommunications enterprises to connect their communication systems to the emergency communication system using the number 112 and ensure uninterrupted access to the number 112 under all circumstances.

d) Direct units under the ministry, postal and telecommunications enterprises to mobilize resources to ensure communication support for disaster response and search and rescue missions; utilize mass media to disseminate and educate the public about emergency response knowledge in accordance with regulations.

11. The Ministry of Education and Training

a) Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense and relevant ministries and agencies to organize training and capacity building for teachers and educational institution managers on emergency response education.

b) Coordinate with the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue and relevant ministries and agencies to develop programs, contents, textbooks, and materials for emergency response education; guide educational institutions under its management to implement and ensure material conditions and funding for emergency response education.

12. The Ministry of Home Affairs

Coordinate with the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue, the Ministry of National Defense, and relevant ministries and agencies to develop a proposal for the organizational structure for disaster response and search and rescue from central to local levels until 2030 and beyond, to be submitted to the Government for consideration and decision.

13. The Ministry of Finance

a) Take the lead in allocating regular budget funds for central agencies to carry out disaster response and search and rescue activities in accordance with the State Budget Law and related guidelines.

b) Timely and fully provide national reserve equipment for disaster response and search and rescue operations upon orders from competent authorities.

14. The Ministry of Planning and Investment

a) Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance, the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue, and relevant ministries and agencies to compile five-year and annual investment development plans for disaster response and search and rescue sectors into the state's five-year and annual socio-economic development plans; ensure the integration of economic and social development with national defense and security consolidation.

b) Appraise sources of capital and the ability to balance capital for investment projects in constructing facilities, producing, and purchasing equipment for disaster response and search and rescue purposes in accordance with the Public Investment Law. Compile and submit to the Government and National Assembly for approval and implementation.

15. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

a) Direct affiliated agencies, diplomatic missions, and consular offices abroad to cooperate with functional agencies of foreign countries and international organizations to carry out search and rescue operations for Vietnamese people, vessels, and assets abroad or in overlapping search and rescue zones.

b) Take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to request assistance through diplomatic channels from foreign authorities for organizing search and rescue operations for Vietnamese people and vessels in distress; handle necessary procedures and resolve arising issues to repatriate people and vessels.

c) Coordinate and guide the rescue of foreign nationals and vessels encountering accidents or disasters on Vietnamese territory.

16. The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs

Take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies and provincial People's Committees to review and compile the number of households and individuals at risk of food shortages due to disasters and provide immediate social assistance; implement policies for those participating in disaster response and search and rescue missions who fall ill, suffer accidents, injuries, or death in accordance with the law.

17. Other Central Ministries, Agencies, and Organizations

a) Coordinate with the National Steering Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue and relevant ministries and agencies to issue and submit legal documents on disaster response and search and rescue within their assigned areas to competent authorities for approval.

b) Organize propaganda and education for cadres, civil servants, employees, and workers under their jurisdiction on the content and measures for disaster response and search and rescue.

c) Direct the agencies and units under their ministries and sectors to implement plans and measures for responding to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations within their assigned areas of responsibility. At the same time, promptly organize their forces and means to perform emergency response tasks according to the orders of competent authorities.

d) Coordinate with the National Committee for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue to inspect, supervise, review, and summarize the implementation of emergency response, disaster management, and search and rescue operations.

Article 30. Responsibilities of People's Committees at all levels

1. Issue guiding documents on emergency response, disaster management, and search and rescue operations at the local level within their authority; direct the organization to thoroughly understand and implement emergency response tasks; improve, adjust, supplement, and define the positions, functions, tasks, and powers of the Emergency Prevention and Search and Rescue Command at various levels in accordance with the characteristics and circumstances of the locality.

2. Promote and mobilize cadres, civil servants, employees, workers, and the people to participate in emergency response, disaster management, and search and rescue operations.

3. Develop and approve emergency response plans for various levels of localities; implement plans and schemes for mobilizing forces, means, and materials from the locality and central agencies operating in the locality to perform emergency response tasks according to the directives of the superior emergency response command agency.

4. Direct the organization to build forces, train, and conduct drills on emergency response, disaster management, and search and rescue operations for subordinate forces. Focus on grassroots and community forces following the principle of "four-in-place."

5. Organize subordinate forces to implement measures for responding to emergencies, natural disasters, and search and rescue operations, protecting property and lives of the people.

6. Propose to the superior emergency response command agencies to mobilize forces and means from other ministries, sectors, and localities to cooperate in implementing emergency response measures when the capacity of their own level is exceeded.

7. Allocate regular budget funds for agencies, units, and localities engaged in emergency response, disaster management, and search and rescue operations; mobilize legitimate resources to ensure emergency response, search and rescue operations, and post-disaster recovery efforts at the local level.

8. Direct and implement inspection, supervision, review, summary, and commendation activities related to emergency response, disaster management, and search and rescue operations at the local level.

Chapter IX

REWARD AND VIOLATION HANDLING

Article 31. Commendation

Organizations and individuals who have achievements in emergency response, disaster management, and search and rescue operations shall be commended in accordance with state regulations.

Article 32. Handling Violations

Organizations and individuals who violate regulations on emergency response, disaster management, and search and rescue operations will be disciplined, administratively handled, or criminally prosecuted depending on the severity and nature of the violation, in accordance with the law.

Chapter X

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 33. Effective Date

This Decree takes effect from May 5, 2017; the Decision No. 76/2009/QĐ-TTg dated May 11, 2009 of the Prime Minister on improving the National Committee for Search and Rescue and the Search and Rescue System of central ministries and sectors and localities, and previous provisions contrary to this Decree are abolished.

Article 34. Responsibility for Implementation

The Chairman of the National Committee for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue, Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of government agencies, Chairmen of provincial and centrally-administered city People's Committees, and Heads of relevant agencies are responsible for enforcing this Decree./.