Vietnam on High Alert for Heavy Rains, Government Orders Swift Response

The Vietnamese government has put the country on high alert and ordered a swift response and mitigation of damage from widespread flooding caused by heavy rains. A directive (Official Dispatch No. 66/CĐ-TTg) issued by the Deputy Prime Minister on September 21, 2026, mandates the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, relevant ministries, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People's Committees to closely monitor natural disaster situations and proactively implement appropriate response measures based on evolving conditions. The objective is to minimize the loss of life and property and to rapidly recover from disaster impacts. Specific focus is placed on areas such as Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Lam Dong, as well as regions previously affected by floods or predicted to be impacted in the coming days. The directive emphasizes the urgent delivery of essential supplies, including food and necessities, to inundated areas. It also calls for thorough reassessment, early warning systems, and organized relocation of residents, particularly the elderly, children, and vulnerable groups, from areas at high risk of severe flooding, landslides, flash floods, and debris flows. Support and condolences for families affected by the floods are to be provided promptly and in accordance with regulations. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is tasked with continuously monitoring natural disaster and flood developments, providing timely information to relevant agencies and the public to facilitate proactive responses. In coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and local authorities, it will guide the safe and scientific operation of irrigation and hydropower dams to help reduce downstream flooding and manage water reserves for production and daily life at the end of the flood season. The Ministry of National Defense will utilize unmanned aerial vehicles to survey vulnerable areas prone to landslides and flash floods, enabling early warnings and the safe relocation of residents. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Training, and Ministry of Construction will, within their respective mandates, oversee the provision of essential healthcare services, environmental sanitation, and disease prevention in flood-affected areas. They will also ensure the safety of students and teachers, minimize damage to educational facilities, and address transportation safety by rapidly repairing damaged routes, especially major arteries. Under its one-party system, Vietnam has pursued state-led infrastructure development and rapid economic growth. However, this growth is increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts, with floods and typhoons posing direct threats to public life and economic activities. This directive reflects the government's commitment to enhancing the nation's resilience to such disasters.