No locality is left passive when a storm hits.

With the forecast that storm No. 3 will directly affect Hanoi and many northern localities, the city has closely directed all levels and sectors to deploy response plans. Hanoi Moi Newspaper reporter had a quick talk with Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen right after a field inspection in Xuan Mai and Tran Phu communes on the afternoon of July 21.

- Sir, what instructions and preparations has Hanoi city made to effectively respond to storm No. 3 in the context of operating a two-level local government?

Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen. Photo: Kim Nhue

- Implementing the direction of the Central Government, the Government and the Prime Minister , especially the close direction of the Secretary of the City Party Committee and Chairman of the City People's Committee, Hanoi has issued many documents guiding and urging all levels, sectors and units to seriously implement the plan to prevent and combat storm No. 3.

In the context of the two-level local government apparatus being recently consolidated, guidance and direction to the grassroots level needs to be clearer and more decisive. The city especially emphasizes the “4 on-site” motto: On-site forces, on-site means, on-site logistics, on-site command to proactively handle all possible natural disaster situations.

Storm No. 3 is forecast to have very complex developments. Even before the storm made landfall, several localities across the country had suffered human and property damage due to storms and tornadoes. In Hanoi, many trees were knocked down, affecting the lives and safety of people. Faced with this reality, the city has requested a comprehensive review of the organization, human resources, means, and equipment for natural disaster prevention and control in the area.

- You have just directly inspected the response preparation work in Xuan Mai and Tran Phu communes. Based on the reality, how do you evaluate it?

Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen and leaders of departments and branches worked with Xuan Mai and Tran Phu communes on responding to storm No. 3 on the afternoon of July 21. Photo: Kim Nhue

- Through inspections in Xuan Mai and Tran Phu communes, two areas at high risk of flooding if a storm makes landfall, we noted that local authorities have proactively developed plans and prepared forces and materials quite well.

However, the inspection process also revealed some shortcomings that need to be immediately overcome, such as the lack of coordination in forces, equipment and resource mobilization; some drainage works have not been operated smoothly according to the approved plan. We have given direct instructions and will have written documents urging and assigning specific tasks to each sector and unit to urgently overcome them.

- How has the city prepared for the issue of supplying essential goods to people in case of storms causing isolation and flooding, sir?

- Ensuring the supply of essential goods and food for the people is always one of the top priorities of the city. Experience during the COVID-19 pandemic or previous strong storms has shown that if well-prepared, no matter how difficult the situation is, Hanoi can still maintain a stable supply.

For storm No. 3, we have directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture to increase stockpiling of goods; at the same time, organize connections with neighboring localities to be ready to support each other when necessary. Distribution systems such as supermarkets and traditional markets have also been asked to review stockpiles, transportation plans, and response scenarios in case of flooding or local power outages. The goal is to ensure that people do not lack essential goods at any time.

- Some localities have reported difficulties in equipment and materials for disaster prevention and control. How will the city support to ensure "no one is left behind"?

- Through the recent review, we found that there are still shortcomings in the allocation of equipment and means after the transition to a two-tier local government model. Some units have not yet transferred equipment to areas at high risk of flooding and landslides. In some places, the force is available but the means are not enough; in other places, there is a lack of both human resources and prevention tools.

The city has directed the development of a plan to transfer and supplement equipment, and assigned relevant sectors to urgently complete a unified operational scenario. The city ensures that communes and wards, especially vulnerable areas, have adequate conditions to effectively implement disaster prevention and control plans, minimizing human and property damage.

- Thank you very much, comrade!

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/khong-de-dia-phuong-nao-bi-dong-khi-bao-do-bo-709914.html