Overcoming limitations in rescue operations

The recent consecutive floods on the Vu Gia and Thu Bon rivers demonstrate the tremendous efforts of the forces involved in responding to and rescuing victims at the grassroots level. However, in reality, this work still has many limitations that need to be overcome.

People in Que Phuoc commune used bamboo boats to evacuate elderly people to avoid rising floodwaters. Photo: MINH THONG

Equip low-lying areas with necessary equipment as soon as possible.

Dien Ban Tay commune is bordered to the south by the Thu Bon River and to the north by the Binh Phuoc River (Yen River); internally, there are tributaries such as Binh Long and La Tho. During the recent floods, the river levels rose rapidly, causing deep flooding throughout the area, with some places submerged by more than 4 meters. Many residential areas were completely isolated; approximately 10,450 households were flooded (over 95%).

Specific and detailed response plans were developed and adjusted to suit the actual situation, but the commune leaders frankly acknowledged that directing the response amidst unpredictable weather conditions presented considerable difficulties.

Mr. Vo Nhu Phong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Dien Ban Tay commune, shared that the commune's area is large, and all roads are deeply flooded with strong currents, but the locality lacks the means to ensure access to isolated residential areas. While emergency response teams in the villages maintain a constant state of readiness, many members lack the necessary knowledge, skills, and equipment to handle and respond to emergencies.

Military personnel in Dai Loc commune used ox carts to transport food deep into residential areas to provide timely relief to people before the floodwaters receded. Photo: Khai Khiem

Khanh Binh village (Que Phuoc commune) has 322 households located near rivers and streams, so it often suffers damage from floods. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Vinh Toan, Head of the village's People's Committee, said that during the recent floods, 240 houses in the village were flooded (180 houses were flooded to a depth of over 1 meter). The village mobilized youth volunteers, militia, and security teams to assist in relocating the elderly and children, raising property, reinforcing houses, and patrolling security. Here, mainly small boats (household boats) are used to evacuate isolated residents, transport food, and clear fallen trees after the flood.

Many communes along the Vu Gia and Thu Bon rivers reported that during the recent floods, the communication systems of telecommunication providers were unstable, with weak and intermittent signals, causing significant obstacles to directing, managing, and reporting rescue efforts at the grassroots level.

The spread of misinformation and the posting of false emergency (SOS) distress calls on social media is a complex issue, causing public panic and affecting the direction and coordination of rescue forces.

Mr. Truong Dinh A, Commander of the Military Command of Dai Loc commune, recounted a case where children living far away tried to contact their parents by phone but couldn't reach them, so they anxiously appealed for help on social media. Despite the darkness and exceptionally high flood levels, the authorities braved the danger and paddled boats to the scene, only to find the water still about 2.5 meters away from their house; the parents of the child who appealed for help stated that they hadn't called for rescue services.

Timely assistance is needed.

A person who previously participated in rescue operations in Go Noi commune said that the recent high floodwaters completely cut off residential areas, posing difficulties for local forces. Besides the rudimentary equipment, many members of the emergency response team are young people with no experience in rowing or swimming, making them vulnerable to capsizing if they encounter strong currents.

The rescue team of Vu Gia commune rescued people during the recent floods. Photo: CONG TU.

Mr. Le Phan Minh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Vu Gia commune, proposed that higher authorities allocate resources to purchase specialized vehicles and communication equipment. He also suggested opening training courses for local personnel to operate canoes and motorboats. For their part, telecommunications companies need to proactively prepare in all aspects to ensure uninterrupted broadcasting and communication.

According to Ms. Tao Thi To Diem, Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Que Phuoc commune, the local authorities have proactively implemented disaster response and search and rescue operations based on the "four on-the-spot" principle. However, the commune's large area and numerous rivers and streams make access and rescue efforts difficult. The local forces are also limited, and equipment such as motorboats, life jackets, and walkie-talkies are scarce, with most having to be borrowed temporarily.

Some evacuation points have limited facilities, making logistical support difficult during prolonged heavy rains and floods. "Que Phuoc hopes to receive support in terms of rescue equipment; the early construction of safe residential areas for households at high risk of landslides; and training to improve disaster response capabilities for local forces," Ms. Diem proposed.

Following the exceptionally severe flooding in early November, Mr. Le Do Tuan Khuong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Dai Loc commune, decided to allocate resources to purchase walkie-talkies and handheld loudspeakers for 33 villages in the area to support rescue efforts. In addition, the commune also distributed life jackets, specialized raincoats, and flashlights. However, in the long term, the locality needs to be equipped with necessary means, especially canoes and motorboats, by higher authorities and relevant departments, and to have training courses for boat operators to ensure timely and safe rescue operations in flood-prone areas like Dai Loc.

Mr. Phan Trung Phi, Chairman of the People's Committee of Thuong Duc commune, said that the commune has requested the city of Da Nang to provide support with 4 canoes and motorboats. The city's Military Command has also requested the deployment of permanent forces in the commune before, during, and after the disaster to support response and search and rescue efforts, as Thuong Duc commune was almost completely isolated during the floods, while the number of personnel available for the task was very limited.

The competent authorities need to urgently review and assess the suitability of the operating procedures for the Vu Gia and Thu Bon reservoirs (Decision No. 1865, dated December 23, 2019, of the Prime Minister) to propose adjustments that are appropriate to the actual situation. In reality, despite heavy rainfall, the hydroelectric reservoirs have overflowed within a short period, failing to ensure effective flood control for downstream areas.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/khac-phuc-han-che-trong-cong-tac-cuu-ho-3310517.html