Decree No. 66/2014/ND-CP detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control

 

DECREE

Providing detailed guidance on implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control1. NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES ARE PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS MANAGED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING, HAVE LEGAL PERSONALITY, SEPARATE ACCOUNTS, AND USE STAMPS WITH THE NATIONAL EMBLEM.

of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control

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Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated December 25, 2001;

Pursuant to the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control dated June 19, 2013;

At the request of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,

At the proposal of Decree providing detailed guidance on implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree provides detailed guidance on implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, including: responsibilities for transmitting information, frequency, duration of broadcasts, communication networks, equipment serving command and control activities for natural disaster response; division of responsibilities and coordination in natural disaster response; mobilization, fundraising, and allocation of relief resources to mitigate the aftermath of natural disasters; rights and obligations of foreign organizations and individuals, international organizations participating in natural disaster response and aftermath mitigation activities in Vietnam; organizational structure and tasks of agencies responsible for natural disaster prevention and control and mechanisms for coordination between the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the National Committee for Search and Rescue.

Article 2. Applicability

This Decree applies to agencies, organizations, households, individuals of Vietnam; foreign organizations and individuals, international organizations residing, operating, or participating in disaster prevention and control activities in Vietnam.

Chapter II
SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

Section 1
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR TRANSMITTING INFORMATION; FREQUENCY, DURATION OF BROADCASTS;

COMMUNICATION NETWORKS, EQUIPMENT SERVING COMMAND AND CONTROL ACTIVITIES FOR NATURAL DISASTER RESPONSE

DIRECTING AND COMMANDING DISASTER RESPONSE

Article 3. Agencies responsible for transmitting information

1. The Vietnam Television and Voice of Vietnam shall be responsible for broadcasting directives on natural disaster response issued by the Prime Minister, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, and the National Committee for Search and Rescue on television and radio channels.

2. People's Committees at all levels shall be responsible for promptly and accurately disseminating directives and commands on natural disaster response issued by the Prime Minister, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, the National Committee for Search and Rescue, and the upper-level and same-level Command for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue within their jurisdiction.

3. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies shall be responsible for directing specialized information systems to broadcast information related to natural disaster prevention and control within their respective fields of management.

Article 4. Frequency and duration of broadcasts of directives and commands for natural disaster response

1. The Vietnam Television and Voice of Vietnam shall broadcast directives on natural disaster response issued by the Prime Minister, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, and the National Committee for Search and Rescue immediately upon receipt and shall rebroadcast them with a minimum frequency of once every three hours for level 3 natural disasters, once every hour for level 4 and level 5 natural disasters until new directives are issued or the natural disaster response activities have been completed or the natural disaster situation has changed and no longer poses an impact.

2. The duration of broadcasts of directives and commands for natural disaster response includes the time taken to broadcast the full text of the directives and commands issued by authorized agencies, weather forecasts and warnings, details of changes in the content of directives and commands, updates on the development of the natural disaster situation, and natural disaster response activities.

3. Local radio and television stations shall broadcast directives on natural disaster response issued by the local Command for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue, and directives and commands from higher-level agencies immediately upon receipt and shall rebroadcast them according to the requirements of the local Command for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue, in accordance with the development of the natural disaster situation and the local response.

When a level 2, 3, or 4 natural disaster occurs in the locality, the frequency of broadcasts shall be in accordance with the requirements of the local Command for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue or higher-level agencies.

4. The Command for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at all levels shall provide specific guidance on the content and frequency and duration of broadcasts of directives for natural disaster response on local information systems. In areas without radio, television, or broadcasting, traditional means of communication such as local conventions shall be used to inform households affected by the natural disaster.

Article 5. Information network, equipment serving command and control activities for disaster response

1. Public information network serving command and control activities for disaster prevention and response, including:

a) Fixed terrestrial and satellite telecommunications networks;

b) Mobile terrestrial and satellite telecommunications networks;

c) Broadcasting and television transmission networks;

d) Public postal service network.

2. Specialized information network, including:

a) Hotline directly serving command and control activities for disaster prevention and response;

b) Dedicated telecommunications network serving Party, State agencies, defense, and security;

c) Postal service network serving Party, State agencies, defense, and security;

d) Dedicated telecommunications network and postal service network of other organizations and enterprises;

đ) Tsunami warning information network combined with other disaster warnings.

3. Information equipment serving command and control activities for disaster prevention and response include:

a) Telephones;

b) Computers;

c) Fax machines;

d) Broadcasting equipment;

đ) Television broadcasting equipment;

e) Automatic monitoring and transmitting equipment;

g) Other communication means and tools.

4. Based on requirements and tasks for disaster prevention and response, Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated agencies, and People's Committees at all levels shall develop plans to build and purchase information equipment; submit these plans to competent authorities for approval; organize construction, procurement, management, and use in accordance with the law.

Section 2
ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND COORDINATION IN DISASTER RESPONSE

 IN DISASTER RESPONSE

Article 6. Disaster risk level

Disaster risks are classified into five increasing levels of risk severity, including: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 (emergency situation regarding disasters). The Prime Minister shall provide detailed regulations on disaster risk levels.

Article 7. Assignment of responsibilities and coordination in disaster response at Level 1

1. The Chairman of the People's Committee, Head of the Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the commune level shall be responsible for directly commanding and mobilizing local resources to respond promptly when a disaster occurs; report and be accountable for implementing directives and commands from higher-level disaster prevention and control agencies.

2. The Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level has the authority to mobilize the following resources to respond to disasters:

a) Self-defense forces, youth, organizations, and individuals within the locality and voluntary organizations and individuals;

b) Reserve materials prepared by the people, materials, equipment, and means of the commune level and organizations and individuals within the locality.

3. Forces participating in disaster response at the commune level must closely coordinate under the command of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level or his authorized representative.

4. In cases where the commune level exceeds its capacity to respond, the Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level shall request support from the People's Committee and the Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the district level.

5. The Chairman of the People's Committee, Head of the Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the district level shall be responsible for directly commanding and mobilizing resources within their authority to respond to Level 1 disasters occurring in two communes or more, or upon receiving assistance requests from the Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level; be accountable for implementing commands and directives from higher-level disaster prevention and control agencies.

6. The Chairman of the People's Committee at the district level has the authority to mobilize the following resources to respond to disasters:

a) Self-defense forces, youth, organizations, and individuals within the locality and voluntary organizations and individuals;

b) Materials, equipment, and means of the district level and organizations and individuals within the locality.

Article 8. Allocation of responsibilities and coordination in responding to level 2 natural disaster risks

1. The Chairman of the People's Committee, the Head of the Provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue shall command localities, agencies, and units within their jurisdiction to implement disaster response measures; mobilize resources within their authority to respond promptly and appropriately to the situation of natural disasters at the locality; report and be responsible for implementing directives from the Prime Minister, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, and the National Search and Rescue Committee.

2. The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee has the right to mobilize the following resources for disaster response:

a) Self-defense forces, youth, organizations, individuals, search and rescue forces, fisheries inspection forces, local armed forces, and voluntary organizations and individuals;

b) Materials, equipment, and means of transportation at the provincial level, disaster prevention and control materials reserves, and those of organizations and individuals within the locality.

3. The Chairman of the People's Committee, the Head of the District and Commune Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue shall organize the implementation of tasks prescribed in Article 7; comply with the command of higher-level authorities; guide and organize the evacuation of people to safe places; the Chairman of the District People's Committee shall decide on forced evacuation when organizations and individuals do not voluntarily comply with evacuation instructions to ensure safety.

4. In cases where the provincial level's capacity to respond is exceeded, the Chairman of the People's Committee, the Head of the Provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue shall report and request support from the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the National Search and Rescue Committee. When receiving requests for support, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, in coordination with the National Search and Rescue Committee, shall have the responsibility to mobilize resources to support disaster response efforts. Forces participating in disaster prevention and response activities at the local level must comply with the command of the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or his authorized representative.

5. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, in coordination with the National Search and Rescue Committee, shall have the responsibility to mobilize resources to support disaster response efforts upon receiving requests for assistance from the Chairman of the People's Committee, the Head of the Provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue. Forces participating in disaster prevention and response activities at the local level must comply with the command of the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee or his authorized representative.

Article 9. Allocation of responsibilities and coordination in responding to level 3 natural disaster risks

1. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control shall direct localities, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government-affiliated agencies to implement disaster response measures; decide on urgent measures and mobilize resources within their authority to assist localities in responding to disasters when requested.

2. The National Search and Rescue Committee, based on specific situations, shall arrange ready forces, means, and coordinate disaster response activities.

3. The Steering Committees for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government-affiliated agencies shall be responsible for implementing disaster response measures within their management scope, while participating in disaster response according to the directives and mobilization of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the National Search and Rescue Committee.

4. The Chairman of the People's Committee, the Head of the Provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue shall be responsible for commanding, mobilizing resources within their authority, and implementing disaster response measures within their jurisdiction.

5. The Chairman of the People's Committee, the Head of the District and Commune Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue shall perform tasks as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 8 of this Decree, in accordance with specific situations at the locality; comply with the directives and commands of higher-level authorities.

6. In cases where the disaster occurs at a level exceeding level 3 or poses a serious risk of damage, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control shall report to the Prime Minister for directives.

Article 10. Allocation of responsibilities and coordination in responding to level 4 natural disasters

1. The Prime Minister directs ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, and relevant localities to implement measures to respond to natural disasters.

2. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control is responsible for advising the Government and the Prime Minister on measures to respond to natural disasters.

3. The National Search and Rescue Commission arranges forces ready to respond to natural disasters, coordinates response activities according to the directives of the Prime Minister.

4. Ministers and heads of ministerial-level agencies, government agencies are responsible for implementing measures to respond to natural disasters within their management scope, while participating in disaster response according to the directives and mobilization by the Prime Minister, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, and the National Search and Rescue Commission.

5. Chairpersons of People's Committees at provincial level and Heads of Provincial Steering Committees for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue are responsible for commanding and mobilizing resources within their authority to implement measures to respond to natural disasters in their areas, complying with directives from the Prime Minister, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, and the National Search and Rescue Commission.

6. Chairpersons of People's Committees at district and commune levels perform tasks as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 8 of this Decree, consistent with specific situations in their localities; comply with directives and commands from higher authorities.

Article 11. Allocation of responsibilities and coordination in responding to emergency situations due to natural disasters

1. In cases where natural disasters exceed level 4, the Prime Minister requests the State President to declare a state of emergency due to natural disasters.

2. The allocation of responsibilities and coordination in responding to emergency situations due to natural disasters shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on emergency situations.

Section 3
MOBILIZATION, DONATION AND ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND ASSISTANCE IN MITIGATING THE AFTERMATH OF NATURAL DISASTERS

SUPPORT FOR RECOVERY FROM DISASTER CONSEQUENCES

Article 12. Mobilization and allocation of resources for assistance in mitigating the aftermath of natural disasters

1. People's Committees at all levels decide to use local budget reserves and local resources to mitigate the aftermath of natural disasters in their areas.

2. Chairpersons of People's Committees at provincial level decide to use the Disaster Prevention and Control Fund to mitigate the aftermath of natural disasters in accordance with regulations on the Disaster Prevention and Control Fund.

3. Ministers and heads of ministerial-level agencies, government agencies within their functions and powers are responsible for allocating resources to mitigate the aftermath of natural disasters within their management scope and assist localities in mitigating the aftermath of natural disasters.

4. The Head of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control compiles losses, relief needs, and proposes to the Prime Minister to decide on using central budget reserves, materials, equipment, means of transport, and goods from national reserves, and other legitimate resources to support localities and ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies in mitigating the aftermath of natural disasters.

5. The Prime Minister decides to use central budget reserves, release national reserve goods, and other legitimate resources to support localities, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies in mitigating the aftermath of natural disasters in accordance with laws on state budget and laws on national reserves.

6. People's Committees at all levels immediately allocate received state support resources promptly and appropriately upon receipt, and direct the implementation of disaster aftermath mitigation at the local level.

7. Within thirty days of receiving disaster relief support, People's Committees at provincial level, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies are responsible for reporting in writing to the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs on the reception, allocation, and use of disaster relief support.

Article 13. Mobilization, fundraising, and allocation of resources from the community

Mobilization, fundraising, and allocation of resources from the community shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law on mobilization, receipt, distribution, and use of voluntary contributions to support the people in overcoming difficulties caused by natural disasters, and the provisions of the law on the activities of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the Vietnam Red Cross Society.

Section 4
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF FOREIGN ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS, INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITIES TO RESPOND TO AND MITIGATE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NATURAL DISASTERS IN VIETNAM

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATING IN DISASTER RESPONSE ACTIVITIES

AND RECOVERY FROM DISASTER CONSEQUENCES IN VIETNAM

Article 14. Taxes and import/export fees for equipment, devices, goods serving emergency relief, search and rescue, assistance, and disaster response activities

Foreign organizations and individuals, international organizations participating in activities to respond to and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters in Vietnam importing and re-exporting equipment, devices, goods to serve emergency relief, search and rescue, assistance, and disaster response activities shall be exempted from taxes and import/export fees in accordance with Point a Clause 1 Article 41 of the Law on Prevention and Control of Natural Disasters. In cases where they leave Vietnam for other purposes, they must pay taxes according to Vietnamese law.

Article 15. Registration for activities to respond to and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters in Vietnam

1. The Standing Office of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control shall be the focal point for receiving registrations; transferring registration files to competent authorities for examination and issuance of permits; and notifying the results of the registration for activities to respond to and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters in Vietnam by foreign organizations and individuals and international organizations.

2. The competent authority issuing permits shall be responsible for guiding procedures, processes, registration, and issuance of permits for persons, equipment, devices, and goods of organizations and individuals registering to participate in responding to and mitigating the consequences of natural disasters in Vietnam immediately upon receipt of the registration file and sending the results back to the focal agency.

Article 16. Entry and exit; import and export procedures for equipment, devices, and goods serving search and rescue, relief, and disaster assistance activities

1. Persons permitted to enter Vietnam to engage in activities to respond to and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters shall be given priority entry and exit procedures at air, water, and land border gates; in urgent response situations, if they have not yet obtained visas, they may be issued visas at the border gate.

2. Equipment, devices, and goods permitted to be imported and re-exported after completing search and rescue, relief, and disaster assistance activities shall be given priority clearance procedures at air, water, and land border gates.

Article 17. Accommodation for foreigners participating in activities to respond to and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters in Vietnam

1. Persons permitted to enter Vietnam to engage in activities to respond to and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters shall be guided to appropriate accommodation, work locations, and temporary residence procedures based on specific conditions.

2. Agencies and localities receiving support shall be responsible for guiding temporary residence registration procedures, accommodation, and work locations for individuals and organizations coming to Vietnam to engage in activities to respond to and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters.

Section 5
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE, TASKS OF DIRECTING AUTHORITIES, COMMAND AUTHORITIES FOR NATURAL DISASTER PREVENTION AND CONTROL AND MECHANISMS FOR COORDINATION BETWEEN THE CENTRAL STEERING COMMITTEE FOR NATURAL DISASTER PREVENTION AND CONTROL AND THE NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE COMMISSION

COMMAND ON DISASTER PREVENTION AND CONTROL AND MECHANISMS FOR COORDINATION

BETWEEN THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR DISASTER PREVENTION AND CONTROL

 BETWEEN THE CENTRAL STEERING COMMITTEE FOR NATURAL DISASTER PREVENTION AND CONTROL AND THE NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE COMMISSION

Article 18. Organizational structure and tasks of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control

1. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control shall be established by the Prime Minister to coordinate inter-sectoral activities to assist the Government and the Prime Minister in organizing, directing, and managing natural disaster prevention, response, and aftermath recovery nationwide. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control shall use the national emblem to perform its duties. Members of the Committee shall operate on a part-time basis.

2. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control shall consist of the following members:

a) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development shall serve as the Chairman;

b) One Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development shall serve as the Vice-Chairman in charge of day-to-day operations;

c) One Deputy Director of the Government Office shall serve as the Vice-Chairman;

d) The Vice-Chairman in charge of the National Search and Rescue Commission shall serve as the Vice-Chairman;

đ) The members of the Committee shall include representatives from the leadership of Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government-affiliated agencies: Agriculture and Rural Development, Natural Resources and Environment, Defense, Public Security, Information and Communications, Industry and Trade, Transport, Construction, Education and Training, Health, Culture, Sports and Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, Science and Technology, Planning and Investment, Finance, Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam Radio, representatives from certain units under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Defense, the National Search and Rescue Commission, and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology;

e) Based on work requirements, the Chairman of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control may invite representatives from the leadership of organizations such as the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the Vietnam Women's Union Central Committee, the Communist Youth Central Committee Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnam Red Cross Central Committee, and other related organizations to participate in the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

3. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall serve as the permanent agency of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, responsible for state management of natural disaster prevention and control. The Ministry shall establish a specialized unit to act as the permanent office of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control. The permanent office of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control shall have its own seal, receive funding, and open an account at the State Treasury to carry out its functions. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development shall stipulate the functions and responsibilities of the permanent office of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

4. Tasks of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control:

a) Guide the development and supervision of implementation of national strategies, plans, policies, and laws on natural disaster prevention and control;

b) Guide the development of emergency response plans for natural disasters;

c) Direct and coordinate emergency responses and aftermath recovery nationwide: Direct emergency responses for levels 3 and 4; coordinate and support localities in responding to levels 1 and 2;

d) Decide on urgent measures, mobilize resources from Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated agencies, organizations, and individuals to respond to and recover from natural disasters according to the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and this Decree;

đ) Direct the statistical recording of damage figures and relief needs of localities, Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated agencies, and propose to the Government and the Prime Minister to decide on measures and resources to recover from natural disasters nationwide;

e) Inspect and urge Ministries, sectors, and localities to implement natural disaster prevention and control activities.

Article 19. Organization and tasks of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue of Ministries, Agencies Equivalent to Ministries, and Government Agencies

1. The Ministries of National Defense, Public Security, Transport, Construction, Industry and Trade, Natural Resources and Environment, Information and Communications, Health, Education and Training, Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs shall establish a Ministry-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue headed by the Ministry's leadership.

a) Based on requirements and tasks, the Ministry-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue shall have a standing unit to provide advisory services to the ministry in performing natural disaster management and search and rescue functions within its jurisdiction.

b) The Ministry-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue may use the seal of the ministry, the standing unit may use its own seal, and it shall be allocated funds and open accounts for operations with its headquarters located at the ministry's office.

c) Based on requirements and tasks related to natural disaster prevention and control and search and rescue, the Minister decides on the establishment of a Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue for subordinate units of the ministry.

2. Tasks of the Ministry-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue:

a) Advise the Minister in implementing natural disaster prevention and control and search and rescue tasks within the scope of its management.

b) Coordinate with ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, and localities to implement natural disaster prevention and control and search and rescue tasks nationwide according to the Prime Minister's directives, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, and the National Search and Rescue Commission.

c) Decide on urgent measures, mobilize resources within the authority of the ministry to respond to and mitigate the consequences of natural disasters and search and rescue within the scope of the ministry's management and support localities.

3. Ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, and government agencies (excluding those specified in Clause 1 of this Article) shall decide on the establishment of a provincial-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue based on assigned tasks, or assign a department under their jurisdiction to concurrently perform advisory functions for the Minister and agency heads regarding natural disaster prevention and control and search and rescue within their management scope.

Article 20. Organization and tasks of the Provincial-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue

1. The Provincial-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue shall be established by the People's Committee Chairman of the province, advise the People's Committee of the province in managing natural disaster prevention and control and search and rescue activities, command and direct within the provincial territory. The Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue shall have a seal, be allocated funds, and open accounts for operations.

2. Members of the Provincial-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue include:

a) The Chairman of the People's Committee of the province serves as the Head.

b) A Vice-Chairman of the People's Committee of the province serves as the Deputy Head in charge of daily operations.

c) The Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development serves as the Deputy Head in charge of natural disaster prevention and control work.

d) The Commander of the Provincial Military Command serves as the Deputy Head in charge of natural disaster rescue work.

đ) Members are the Commander of the Provincial Border Guard Command; leaders of departments and relevant agencies involved in natural disaster prevention and control and search and rescue work in the locality; the Head of the Provincial-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue invites leaders of the Fatherland Front, Women's Union, Youth Union, and Red Cross Society of the province to participate as members of the Provincial-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue.

3. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is the standing body of the Provincial-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue.

Based on actual conditions of the locality, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province decides on the establishment of a specialized unit under the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to serve as the standing office of the Provincial-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue.

4. Tasks of the Provincial-level Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue:

a) Advise the People's Committee of the province in implementing natural disaster prevention tasks as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 43 of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

b) Develop and approve plans and emergency response schemes for natural disasters.

c) Command emergency responses to natural disasters and search and rescue operations within the provincial territory.

d) Inspect and urge departments and agencies in the locality to fulfill natural disaster prevention tasks.

Article 21. Organization and tasks of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the district level

1. The Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the district level shall be established by the Chairman of the People's Committee at the district level, with the function of advising the People's Committee at the district level in inspecting, urging, commanding, and managing natural disaster prevention and control and search and rescue work within the local area. The Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the district level shall have its seal, bank account, and be allocated funds to operate.

2. Members of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the district level include:

a) The Chairman of the People's Committee at the district level serves as the Head;

b) One Deputy Chairman of the People's Committee at the district level serves as the Vice Head in charge of day-to-day operations;

c) The Head of the Public Security Office at the district level and the Commander-in-Chief of the Military Service Command at the district level serve as Vice Heads;

d) Other members are leaders of departments and agencies related to natural disaster prevention and control and search and rescue work in the locality; based on specific requirements of the district level, the Chairman of the People's Committee at the district level may invite leaders of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Women's Union, Youth Union, and Red Cross at the district level to participate in the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue.

3. Based on specific conditions of the locality, the Chairman of the People's Committee at the district level decides to entrust a functional department under the People's Committee at the district level to act as the Permanent Office.

4. Tasks of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the district level:

a) Advising the People's Committee at the district level to perform natural disaster prevention and control tasks as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 43 of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control;

b) Building and approving plans and response schemes for natural disasters in the locality;

c) Commanding and organizing responses to natural disasters and search and rescue operations within the district;

d) Inspecting and urging agencies and units in the locality to fulfill natural disaster prevention and control tasks.

Article 22. Organization and tasks of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the commune level

1. The Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the commune level shall be established by the Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level, advising the People's Committee at the commune level in inspecting, urging, commanding, and managing natural disaster prevention and control and search and rescue work within the local area.

2. Members of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the commune level include:

a) The Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level serves as the Head;

b) One Deputy Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level serves as the Vice Head in charge of day-to-day operations;

c) The Head of the Public Security Office at the commune level and the Commune Militia Battalion Commander serve as Vice Heads;

d) Other members are water conservancy cadres, agricultural cadres, and heads of political organizations and mass organizations in the commune.

3. The Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the commune level shall be located at the People's Committee office at the commune level. The Committee shall use the seal of the People's Committee at the commune level, utilize some specialized cadres from the People's Committee at the commune level as a permanent staff, and be allocated funds to operate.

4. Tasks of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at the commune level:

a) Advising the People's Committee at the commune level to perform natural disaster prevention and control tasks as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 43 of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control;

b) Implementing the dissemination of instructions and commands for responding to natural disasters from higher levels to the community;

c) Commanding responses to natural disasters and search and rescue operations within the commune;

d) Building and approving plans and response schemes for natural disasters in the locality;

e) Inspecting and urging organizations and individuals in the locality to fulfill natural disaster prevention and control tasks.

Article 23. Mechanism for Coordination between the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the National Search and Rescue Committee

1. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control shall take the lead and coordinate with the National Search and Rescue Committee to issue guiding documents to respond to specific natural disaster scenarios.

2. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the National Search and Rescue Committee shall proactively notify and coordinate immediately upon receiving information about accidents or incidents occurring during natural disasters, unify measures and mobilize forces, means, materials, and equipment to respond to natural disasters.

3. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control shall take the lead in mobilizing resources to respond to and mitigate the aftermath of natural disasters, and coordinate with the National Search and Rescue Committee to mobilize and dispatch search and rescue forces, implement search and rescue operations and disaster relief.

4. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control shall unify with the National Search and Rescue Committee on the content of requests for assistance from other countries in search and rescue operations in cases of severe natural disasters before reporting to the Prime Minister for decision.

Chapter III
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 24. Effective Date

1. This Decree takes effect from August 20, 2014.

2. This Decree replaces Decree No. 08/2006/NĐ-CP dated January 16, 2006 detailing certain provisions of the Law on Flood and Storm Prevention and Control, which was amended and supplemented on August 24, 2000, and Decree No. 14/2010/NĐ-CP dated February 27, 2010 of the Government regarding the organization, tasks, powers, and coordination mechanism of the Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control, the Command for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue at ministries, sectors, and localities.

Article 25. Responsibilities for Implementation

Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of government-affiliated agencies, Chairpersons of People's Committees at all levels, and relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals are responsible for implementing this Decree./.