Vietnam's Lào Cai Province Enhances Disaster Preparedness to Ensure Resident Safety

In Lào Cai Province, northern Vietnam, efforts are underway to enhance disaster response capabilities in anticipation of the rainy and typhoon seasons. Measures are being intensified to ensure the safety of residents, especially in areas prone to landslides and flash floods. Bản Xèo xã, a mountainous locality, is susceptible to the impacts of heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides with the onset of the rainy season. Since early 2026, the xã has proactively developed disaster prevention and search and rescue plans based on the "four-on-site" principle, mobilizing the entire political system and local residents to prepare for any eventuality. Currently, 67 households are situated in high-risk landslide zones requiring relocation. Local authorities maintain a 24/24 hour watch during heavy rains, regularly inspect critical points, and promptly warn and evacuate residents when safety is compromised. The construction of the Tả Pa Cheo resettlement area, designed to accommodate approximately 60 households, is also being expedited. Nine households have already moved to their new homes and are gradually stabilizing their lives. Mr. Lý A Dũng's family in Tả Lèng hamlet lived for years in constant fear of landslides from a large mass of earth behind their house. Each time it rained, the family had to evacuate and could only return after the rain stopped. In early 2025, following local government advocacy and support, Mr. Dũng decided to relocate to the Tả Pa Cheo resettlement area. With nearly 200 m² of land, 40 million VND in state support, and assistance from local residents and authorities, his family has built a new, sturdy home. According to the leadership of Bản Xèo xã People's Committee, the Tả Pa Cheo resettlement project spans over 10 hectares with a total investment of approximately 18 billion VND. Construction progress has been interrupted due to several reasons. The locality is actively pushing for accelerated progress and enhancing public awareness campaigns to ensure residents are ready to move to the resettlement area as soon as the infrastructure is completed. Mr. Nguyễn Văn Thanh, Vice Chairman of Bản Xèo xã People's Committee, stated, "We are constantly urging the construction unit to bring the project into operation as soon as possible. The xã is also proactively developing specific response plans for each disaster scenario, preparing forces and equipment to minimize potential losses." Meanwhile, in Phúc Khánh xã, dozens of engineers and workers are diligently working on the Làng Đẩu bridge construction site. Nearly a year ago, a historical flood washed away a significant portion of the only bridge crossing the stream, isolating 51 households comprising 223 residents. At that time, residents and local authorities built a temporary bridge of bamboo and wood, but it had deteriorated. The construction of a new, sturdy concrete bridge with state support has brought great relief to the community. Mr. Hoàng Văn Hàn from Long Khánh hamlet shared his joy, recalling the scene a year prior and expressing gratitude for the government's attention to building a solid concrete bridge. In addition to repairing and constructing facilities to overcome the aftermath of natural disasters, Phúc Khánh xã has issued a plan to implement Directive No. 30-CT/TU of the Lào Cai Provincial Party Committee Standing Board on strengthening the Party's leadership in natural disaster prevention, response, and aftermath mitigation. The locality has organized civil defense drills for flash floods and landslides in 2026 to enhance the leadership, direction, and management capabilities of local Party committees and authorities, as well as the coordination among forces in handling disaster situations and search and rescue operations. Ms. Trịnh Thị Duyên, Chairwoman of Phúc Khánh xã People's Committee, emphasized that disaster prevention, response, and aftermath mitigation are considered key and regular tasks for the entire political system. The goal is to raise the awareness and responsibility of officials, Party members, and the public, and to leverage the combined strength of all forces in disaster prevention and search and rescue.