PM Phuc orders urgent aid to relieve flood-hit localities

During the start of a regular Cabinet meeting for October held in Hanoi, all Cabinet members observed a minute’s silence in commemoration to those who lost their lives in recent flashfloods and landslides.

In his address at the meeting, PM Phuc noted that the spell of storms and floods to hit the nation in October contributed to huge losses of life. He quoted preliminary reports which indicate that at least 230 people, including military officers, soldiers, and policemen, lost their lives as a result of natural disasters, or through participating in rescue missions. In addition, dozens still remain unaccounted for following the severe flashfloods and landslides.

“The Government shares the difficulties and losses our countrymen in the central region have suffered,” PM Phuc stated.

He therefore requested that Cabinet members consider sending urgent aid to central provinces, as approximately 1.3 million people have been forced to evacuate from low-lying and flood-prone areas, as part of efforts to ensure that no one is left hunger or cold.

“The Government will take the responsibility to assist localities in difficulty,” the PM announced.

Furthermore, the Government leader requested that relevant ministries and sectors swiftly mobilise relevant forces in a bid to help restore traffic, repair damaged houses, and reopen schools in flood-ravaged areas.

PM Phuc also directed the army and police to continue their search and rescue work to help dozens that remain buried in the rubble of landslides or to help fishermen in distress at sea.

“Efforts should be doubled or tripled to ensure life will return to normal as soon as possible,” said the PM, adding that local people require urgent assistance so they can restore production and maintain their livelihoods.

To this end, the Government leader agreed to provide a fixed sum to families whose houses collapsed or were left badly damaged by the recent storms or flashfloods. He asked the Ministry of Finance to work closely alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development so they can provide timely support to those in dire need.

The PM ordered the banking industry to consider reducing, delaying, or writing off debts of localities that have been hardest hit by the impact of natural disasters in accordance with the law. As such, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has been asked to ensure market prices and power supplies for local people in the region.

The PM also reminded the Ministry of Health and flood-hit localities of the need to implement necessary measures to prevent the spread of epidemics, especially cholera and seasonal flu.