According to the assessment of the Quang Tri Provincial Hydrometeorological Station, the 2024 storm season will have 10-13 storms/tropical depressions (TPDs) appearing in the East Sea, of which 5-7 storms/TPDs will affect the mainland of our country, at a level approximately equal to the average of many years. It is worth noting that out of those 10-13 storms/TPDs, 3-5 storms/TPDs will affect the Quang Tri area, 1-2 storms will directly affect, the time of impact is concentrated from September to early November.

Deploying the construction of embankment to prevent landslides on the banks of Thach Han River through Trieu Phong district - Photo: NV

Floods are likely to start in September and end in late November with 3-5 flood waves, the biggest flood of the year occurring in early October to early November. Flood peaks on rivers are likely to be at alert level 2, alert level 3, some rivers above alert level 3, approximately higher than the average flood peak of many years and higher than the flood peak in 2023. It is worth noting that localized large floods and flash floods are likely to occur in mountainous areas and small streams in the upper reaches of rivers.

According to the assessment of the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control (PCTT) and Search and Rescue (TKCN) of Trieu Phong district, in 2023, thanks to good PCTT work, damage to people and property in the district was minimized. However, the total material damage in the district is still high.

There are many causes of such damage, including the sudden occurrence of natural disasters in a short period of time, so the prevention and control work at the grassroots level has not been well implemented, showing signs of subjectivity. The "4 on-site" motto of some localities is still formalistic and inadequate in the implementation process.

In addition, the means and equipment for rescue and relief of the forces have not met the requirements, are not suitable, and need to be strengthened and supplemented; the shock force and the means of rescue and relief are confused when implementing according to the plan. The implementation of information reporting by localities, departments and branches according to the Government's regulations has not been strict, slow and not in accordance with the prescribed forms, leading to many difficulties in collecting and synthesizing data.

Based on the assessment of the natural disaster situation, drawing experience from the actual direction and management in the past time, the 2024 storm season, very early on, the District People's Committee, the Trieu Phong District Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue requested agencies, units and localities to urgently complete the command committees at all levels and sectors to unify the direction and management of the implementation of tasks, and at the same time assign specific tasks to each member to ensure timely information and reporting between the District Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue to the grassroots level.

Along with that, continue to promote propaganda, inspection and supervision of the implementation of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, the Law on Irrigation, the Law on Dykes, the Law on Planning, the Law on Hydrometeorology and central and provincial directives on natural disaster prevention and control and search and rescue as well as focus on raising public awareness of natural disaster prevention and control.

To achieve that goal, all levels and sectors in the district have actively implemented the Project to raise community awareness and community-based disaster risk management for the period 2021-2025 in the district. Thereby, improving the capacity, responsibility and working methods of the PCTT task force, government officials in managing and implementing activities to raise community awareness and community-based disaster risk management as well as enhancing the capacity and skills of the community in disaster risk reduction.

The People's Committees of communes, towns, and local PCTT and TKCN command boards closely monitor the situation and developments of natural disasters to develop specific rescue and relief plans. In the plans and plans for responding to storms and floods, attention should be paid to the plan to evacuate people in dangerous areas, while organizing emergency and timely rescue and relief during and after storms and floods, as well as having plans to prevent and control emerging epidemics, ensuring environmental sanitation, sufficient food, medicine, drinking water, and fuel for at least 10 to 15 days in case the area is cut off.

Agencies, departments, sectors, organizations, and localities develop plans for disaster prevention and control, focusing on developing plans for response and recovery of traffic routes at high risk of landslides and cuts, plans for supplies, food, and ensuring the environment for disease prevention and control, plans to ensure the safety of dams and reservoirs, and ensure rescue work at sea and in storm and flood areas to minimize damage to people and property. Pay attention to mobilizing and effectively deploying resources to overcome the consequences of natural disasters.

In addition to establishing a 30-person shock team, fully equipped with life jackets and portable speakers, district-level departments and offices, as assigned by the District People's Committee, the District Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue, have fully prepared necessary means and materials to serve the rescue of people and the direction activities of the District People's Committee and the District Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue during storms and floods.

The People's Committees of communes, towns, agencies and units in the district must strengthen their units' command boards for disaster prevention and control and search and rescue, and at the same time prepare and mobilize a sufficient number of motorboats, rowboats and other equipment to proactively respond to storms and floods.

Communes in key areas have identified very specific plans, arranged sufficient means and rescue forces, and are on duty 24/7 when there are storms and floods. In addition to responding on-site and at assigned locations, communes are ready to participate in rescue operations in other communes when there is a mobilization order, and at the same time notify people to prepare and do a good job of disaster prevention and control at home. The District People's Committee, the District Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue Command Committee require localities to absolutely not let people go hungry or thirsty during storms and floods.

Nguyen Vinh