Vietnam Directs Proactive Flood Response and Recovery Efforts

Vietnam is directing proactive measures for response and recovery from recent severe flood damage across several provinces, following heavy rains that submerged vast agricultural lands and affected infrastructure. The government has urged authorities in eight northern and central provinces – Son La, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An – to maintain high alert for flash floods and landslides. The floods inundated 22,499 hectares of rice, crops, and vegetables, along with 1,175.62 hectares of aquaculture areas. Irrigation canals suffered erosion and damage, and 15 schools were flooded. Heavy rainfall from the evening of September 14 to the morning of September 15, 2026, also caused severe street flooding and prolonged traffic congestion in Hanoi. In parallel with disaster response, Vietnam is advancing on multiple fronts. The country is set to host the International Conference on Education Cooperation in the Digital Era in Hanoi on October 8-9, focusing on policy discussions and experience sharing. The Prime Minister has also ordered a serious review into the inadequate supply of textbooks at the beginning of the school year, with responsibility to be clarified and violations handled accordingly. Efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing continue, with local fishing vessels being updated in the national database and nearly 95% of vessels 15 meters or longer equipped with Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). Furthermore, Vietnam is reforming its lawmaking and enforcement processes under a new legislative mindset, aiming for framework and principle-based regulations. In international cooperation, discussions with the Belgian Chamber of Representatives’ Committee on Justice focused on protecting children in the digital environment, with Belgium offering to share its experiences. Vietnam and Laos are also strengthening coordination between central agencies and border provinces to improve mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. These developments underscore Vietnam's commitment to enhancing its disaster resilience and pursuing sustainable development through international collaboration. Within its one-party system, the government's directives are designed for rapid implementation, though their effectiveness hinges on local execution. In its relations with China, Vietnam navigates a strategy balancing economic growth with security concerns while deepening ties with the international community.