Supporting local communities in restoring infrastructure and stabilizing production after natural disasters.
"During the questioning session on the effectiveness of state management in responding to and mitigating the consequences of natural disasters and restoring livelihoods for the people, held at the 35th session of the Nghe An Provincial People's Council, 18th term, 2021-2026, I found the session to be serious, democratic, and accurately reflecting the issues that voters are very concerned about. 14 delegates raised questions closely related to reality, focusing on analyzing shortcomings in disaster prevention and control, especially the consequences of this year's heavy rains and storms. Leaders of departments and agencies provided frank, clear, and responsible explanations, demonstrating a receptive attitude towards voters."
In Chau Tien commune, we were severely impacted by three consecutive floods caused by the remnants of typhoons No. 3, No. 5, and especially Typhoon No. 10. Immediately after the storms subsided, the commune's People's Committee mobilized local forces to handle the situation temporarily and provide initial support to the people. However, the extent of the damage was too great, completely exceeding the local government's capacity to cope.
Currently, the commune has many seriously damaged transportation and irrigation infrastructure projects, including areas with deep landslides, destroyed canals, and roads leading to production areas washed away by floods. If not repaired promptly, there is a high risk that people will be unable to produce crops in the next season, directly affecting the livelihoods of thousands of people. The local authorities have submitted a proposal to the Provincial People's Committee and relevant departments and agencies, requesting urgent support in terms of funding, materials, and technical assistance to reinforce and repair essential infrastructure. This is not only an immediate need but also a fundamental solution to ensure safety during the next rainy and stormy season."
Review reservoir operation procedures to ensure public safety.
During the questioning session of the Provincial People's Council, Mr. Bui Van Hien, Secretary of the Party Committee of Thong Thu commune (Nghe An province), expressed his agreement with the report of the Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment on the management of reservoirs in the past period. According to him, the relevant agencies have coordinated closely, closely monitored weather developments, and effectively implemented flood control measures. During many periods of heavy rain, reservoir regulation was carried out promptly and according to procedures, significantly minimizing the risk of impact on downstream areas.
However, in the context of increasingly extreme weather, with many heavy rains exceeding historical levels, reservoirs in the area are facing immense pressure. “When historical thresholds are repeatedly exceeded, we are forced to question whether current operating procedures are still safe enough,” Mr. Hien emphasized. The unpredictability of natural disasters has created new challenges, making a comprehensive reassessment of operating methods absolutely necessary.
Based on this experience, representatives from Thong Thu commune proposed that the Provincial People's Council and relevant agencies conduct a comprehensive review of the operating procedures of all reservoirs, especially large and critical ones. Investors and management units need to reassess the load-bearing capacity of the structures, check flood discharge capabilities, and add appropriate response scenarios to address the current extreme weather conditions. Operating procedures must be regularly updated to ensure flexibility, realism, and minimize risks for people in downstream areas.
Improved forecasting capabilities are needed so that people can proactively respond to storms and floods.
"Through observing the questioning session at the meeting, we clearly felt the sense of responsibility of the provincial leaders and departments in the face of the heavy damage caused by this year's natural disasters. The opinions expressed were all practical and showed deep concern for the lives of the people in the context of increasingly extreme and unpredictable storms and floods."
This year's reality shows that the level of devastation from natural disasters is very serious. Our Ben Thuy 15 block, in particular, is a vulnerable point, situated close to the Lam River, where there is always a risk of flooding and landslides during heavy rains and rising river levels. During Typhoon No. 10, 25 households in this area had to be urgently evacuated, 49 households were severely flooded, and more than 20 houses were damaged. Although it is an urban area with relatively well-developed infrastructure, due to its riverside location, our block suffered much more serious damage than in previous years.
Based on that experience, I believe that to avoid similar losses in the future, the province needs more fundamental solutions. First and foremost, improving forecasting and early warning capabilities is crucial. Forecasts must be faster and more accurate for each area, especially low-lying areas and riverside areas like the Ben Thuy 15 block. With early and specific warnings, people will be more proactive in preparing, protecting their property, and moving to safe places.
Besides government measures, the self-awareness of the people also plays a decisive role. People need to comply with the instructions of the authorities, not be complacent in the face of natural disasters, and not try to stay in dangerous areas when evacuation warnings have been issued."
Resettlement areas need to be reviewed and infrastructure improved so that people can settle into their new lives as soon as possible.
Mr. Vi Van Truyen, head of Hoa Son village (Muong Xen commune), said he completely agrees with the explanations from relevant departments and agencies regarding the resettlement arrangements in the past. In fact, Nghe An province has implemented many resettlement areas to support households displaced by landslides, flash floods, and natural disasters; this is a sound policy that contributes to ensuring the safety and stability of people's lives.
However, according to Mr. Truyen, the current situation shows that many resettlement areas have not yet been effective due to inadequate infrastructure, leading to people being unable to move in, or living there but experiencing instability due to a lack of essential amenities.
For example, the Hoa Son resettlement area in Muong Xen commune, which was scheduled for completion in March 2025, is still in a state of "built but uninhabitable." Essential infrastructure such as electricity, clean water, and some auxiliary facilities remain incomplete, preventing residents from settling there long-term despite their strong desire to move. According to Mr. Truyen, a resettlement area can only be truly effective when its infrastructure is comprehensive, ensuring minimum living conditions and allowing residents to settle down and live comfortably.
Based on that reality, he suggested that the provincial authorities urgently review all resettlement areas that have been and are being implemented, assess the level of infrastructure completion, and take immediate measures to supplement any missing items. This will not only help people move to safe new homes as soon as possible, but also avoid waste when construction projects are completed but cannot be put into use.
Source: https://baonghean.vn/cu-tri-mong-muon-som-hoan-thien-cac-khu-tai-dinh-cu-on-dinh-san-xuat-sau-thien-tai-10314956.html
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