Improving forecasting capacity in disaster prevention and control

Proactively fix landslides on National Highway 6, through Bon Phang commune, Thuan Chau district.

Forecasts and warnings of heavy rains and the risk of flash floods, landslides are provided to the local Civil Defense Command to proactively deploy response measures and mitigate damage. For example, during the heavy rains caused by storm No. 3 in September 2024, based on the heavy rain warning information, districts across the province proactively informed people to stay away from risky and dangerous areas; proactively moved assets and people to safe places.

Phu Yen is one of the localities that often suffer from natural disasters. In 2024, the total estimated damage was over 85.7 billion VND. Ms. Dinh Thi Thu Ha, Permanent Vice Chairman of Phu Yen District People's Committee, said: In 2025, the weather forecast is complicated. The District People's Committee directed localities to absolutely not be subjective, strictly implement the information and warning regime to the people; review areas at risk of landslides, rockslides, flash floods in the area to put up warning signs.

As for Van Ho district, from 2023 to now, many extreme weather phenomena have also occurred frequently. In the face of complicated weather developments, the District Civil Defense Command has always deployed early disaster forecasting and warning information and response measures. Providing information to communes, evacuating people from dangerous areas to ensure safety of life and property.

Mr. Thai Ba Sinh, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Van Ho district, informed: Based on the warning information, the Department has advised the District People's Committee to direct localities in the district to respond to floods and storms according to the "4 on-site" principle; arrange 24/24 hours on duty when natural disasters occur. Direct communes to increase the time to broadcast announcements and warnings about the level of natural disaster risks on the grassroots loudspeaker system to all people.

It is forecasted that in 2025, extreme weather will continue to develop complicatedly. Heat waves will remain high, but it is unlikely to surpass the record of 2024. The East Sea may see 11-13 storms, of which 5-6 will directly affect the mainland; the risk of strong storms from level 12 or higher is quite high. Since the beginning of 2025, the whole province has experienced 4 prolonged cold spells, 1 heat wave, 4 thunderstorms, lightning and hail, causing 6 casualties; 307 houses had their roofs blown off or damaged; over 200 hectares of crops were affected. The total estimated damage is nearly 4 billion VND.

The "4 on-site" force of Tuong Phong commune, Phu Yen district, inspected the Tre stream area where flash floods may occur during heavy rain.

Every year, Son La province supports funding for investment in modern equipment for forecasting and warning work. Currently, the province has 14 automatic rain gauges, 12 early warning stations for floods and flash floods, 4 hydrological stations, 8 meteorological stations, 1 automatic air environment station and 1 automatic radiation station... The stations regularly coordinate with local authorities to issue the earliest possible warnings, serving the task of responding to natural disasters. Forecasts and heavy rains, warnings for areas at risk of flash floods, landslides are provided 4 times a day or more during periods of prolonged rain. Accordingly, localities proactively evacuate people and assets from risky areas, as well as promptly mobilize forces to overcome the consequences of natural disasters according to the "4 on-site" motto, quickly stabilizing people's lives and production.

Mr. Phan Van Cuong, Deputy Director of the Son La Provincial Hydrometeorological Station, said: The monitoring network is increasingly modernized, ensuring continuous and accurate forecasting and warning. Currently, the Center provides monthly forecasts to districts; forecasts temperature and rainfall by period; and detailed flash flood and landslide warnings to communes. At the same time, it issues bulletins for holidays, Tet, and important events of the province. Timely issue bulletins forecasting and warning of dangerous hydrometeorology broadcast on the weather forecast bulletin of Son La Electronic Newspaper, on the waves of the Provincial Radio and Television Station; and on social networking platforms.

Early warning and accurate forecasting of weather developments help the Civil Defense Command at all levels and local people proactively develop response plans, mitigate damage caused by natural disasters, and protect people's safety and property.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/nang-cao-nang-luc-du-bao-trong-phong-chong-thien-tai-r2M91CaHR.html