Act early

The 2024 National Disaster Prevention and Control Week, to be held in May, has been chosen with the theme: "Early Action - Proactive Response to Disasters".

Act early

That's right, because due to a lack of proactive measures in the face of natural disasters, many communities, families, and vehicle owners have paid a very high price, not only in terms of property but also in terms of lives.

At the provincial-wide online conference summarizing the work of disaster prevention and control, search and rescue, and civil defense in 2023 and implementing tasks for 2024, organized by the Provincial People's Committee, heartbreaking figures were reported: 3 deaths and property damage estimated at approximately 300 billion VND.

Just a few days ago, thunderstorms and hailstorms damaged large areas of crops, greenhouses, and net houses in several localities in the province.

In 2023, despite the Provincial People's Committee and the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention, Search and Rescue and Civil Defense issuing 21 official dispatches and other documents directing and managing all levels and sectors to implement measures closely aligned with practical requirements, and issuing and directing the implementation of projects, plans, and strategies for disaster prevention and search and rescue; and organizing inspections of disaster prevention preparation work in districts, towns, and cities, especially in localities that frequently experienced major natural disasters causing heavy damage in previous years... the situation of "enthusiasm at the top, apathy at the bottom" in disaster prevention remains a very worrying issue.

According to the assessment of the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention, Search and Rescue, and Civil Defense, the work of disaster prevention, search and rescue, and civil defense, as well as the awareness of prevention, response, and mitigation of incidents and natural disasters among officials and people in some localities, is still limited. Disaster prevention and search and rescue plans are sometimes merely формаl; there is still a sense of confusion and passivity in disaster prevention and response when incidents occur. Information dissemination, propaganda, and warnings about natural disasters to the people are still limited. The preparation and implementation of the "four on-the-spot" principle, especially the building of rapid response forces for disaster prevention and control at the grassroots level, is not yet complete and has not been effectively utilized in some areas...

Natural disasters are a combination of many "enemies" with devastating power, but they can be mitigated if proactive prevention is implemented. The theme of the 2024 National Disaster Prevention and Control Week, "Early Action - Proactive Response to Disasters," is a clear recommendation to enhance community capacity and raise the awareness and responsibility of all levels and sectors in disaster prevention and control, anticipating and responding to natural disasters.

Directing the tasks of disaster prevention, search and rescue, and disaster relief in 2024, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Do Minh Tuan also emphasized that Thanh Hoa is one of the key areas prone to storms, floods, and droughts. If leadership and guidance are not focused and effective, the consequences will be immeasurable. With the spirit of acting early to proactively address natural disaster risks, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requested that all sectors and localities consider this a top priority political task. Especially localities at risk of flash floods, landslides, and inundation must focus on reviewing and developing specific and detailed disaster response plans. Any complacency, negligence, or reactive response must cease.

Tue Minh

Source