Effectiveness of the rapid response team model

In order to proactively respond to increasingly complex weather patterns, especially localized flooding during the rainy season, the People's Committee of An Hai Bac Ward (Son Tra District) has implemented the "Rapid Response Team" model. After nearly two years of implementation, the model has proven remarkably effective, contributing to improving disaster prevention and control capabilities and ensuring the safety of residents in the area.

Members of the rapid response team in An Hai Bac ward clear drainage ditches to prevent flooding. Photo: Tien Dung

To effectively implement the model, the People's Committee of the ward established 48 rapid response teams for disaster prevention and control in residential areas. Each team is fully equipped with raincoats, boots, shovels, hoes, and tools for dredging and clearing waterways; operating under the direct supervision of the ward's People's Committee leaders. In the area, roads prone to flooding during heavy rains include Pham Van Dong - Ngo Quyen, An Nhon 12, and alley 02 of Nguyen The Loc street…

Immediately after heavy rains, the rapid response team closely monitors and promptly handles situations to reduce flooding. According to Ms. Pham Nguyen Thuy Duong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of An Hai Bac Ward, the "Rapid Response Team" model not only demonstrates a proactive spirit in responding to natural disasters but also promotes the role and responsibility of people in the community. "Heavy rain in a short period of time can cause localized flooding in low-lying areas. With a ready-to-use rapid response force on-site, we can quickly handle emerging situations, reduce damage, and ensure the safety of the people," Ms. Duong said.

In addition to focusing on handling emergency situations, the rapid response team also undertakes many other important tasks such as raising community awareness about disaster prevention and control; monitoring weather forecasts and disaster developments; and inspecting and identifying safety risks in people's homes and infrastructure.

Sharing about this model, Mr. Le Ngoc Cuong, Head of Rapid Response Team No. 3, said that as soon as they received information about heavy rain, the team members immediately went to areas at risk of flooding to clear drainage ditches, check water inlets, and remove debris blocking the flow. Some days it rained heavily, everyone was soaked from head to toe, but as long as the water receded in time and people's houses weren't flooded, the team members felt very happy and proud. With a high sense of responsibility, proactiveness, and a systematic approach, the model has proven remarkably effective. During the heavy rains in early June 2025, thanks to the timely intervention of the rapid response teams, many residential areas in the ward avoided flooding like in previous years.

Evaluating the model, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thuan, Chairman of the People's Committee of An Hai Bac Ward, affirmed that the rapid response team not only helps the locality proactively and effectively respond to natural disasters but also forms an on-site early warning network, minimizing risks at the grassroots level. This is a practical model that needs to be maintained and replicated.

Furthermore, the model not only effectively connects the government and the people but also creates a foundation for building safe communities that are adaptable to climate change. In the coming time, the Ward People's Committee will continue to enhance the capacity of the rapid response force, supplement necessary equipment, and maintain the model so that each residential area is always ready to respond to any emergency situation.

TIEN DUNG

Source: https://baodanang.vn/xa-hoi/202506/hieu-qua-tu-mo-hinh-to-phan-ung-nhanh-4009732/