Ninh Binh: Localities along the river proactively respond to rising flood waters

Rising floodwaters have isolated many households in Kenh Ga village, Gia Vien commune.

In Kenh Ga hamlet, Gia Vien commune, since September 28, floodwaters began to rise rapidly, completely isolating all 500 households with nearly 3,000 people in the hamlet. The only means of transportation in and out of the hamlet was by boat. By the afternoon of October 1, although the water level had receded, it was so slow that people's daily activities could not return to normal.

*Kenh Ga village, Gia Vien commune seen from above.*

Mr. Nguyen Cong Cuong, 55 years old, a villager said: “Living outside the dike, every year we suffer a few floods, so I, like the people in Kenh Ga village, have experience and preparation to cope. But because this flood came so quickly, my family only had time to move some electrical equipment and important furniture, the remaining tables, chairs, beds, cabinets... are submerged under water.”

According to Mr. Nguyen Cong Hoan, Vice Chairman of Gia Vien Commune People's Committee, from September 28 to 30, there was very heavy rain in the area, along with water flowing from upstream, causing the water level on Hoang Long River to rise rapidly. At noon on September 30, the water level at Ben De reached 4.8m, causing all households in Kenh Ga village to be isolated.

*People moved to higher ground due to deep flood water.*

To support the people, the commune has mobilized units and functional forces to inspect key points; prepared motorboats and boats to transport supplies, medicine, and life jackets to provide to people in isolated areas; coordinated with Hoang Quyen and Gia Vien pumping stations to operate drainage pumps, and patrolled and reinforced the dykes to ensure maximum safety for people's lives and property.

Like Gia Vien, in Phu Son commune, many hamlets along Lang river such as hamlets 1, 3, 4, Hien Quan, Cam Dia, Tu My, Binh An were also flooded, people had to move by boat.

Ms. Luu Thi Hung, Vice Chairman of Phu Son Commune People's Committee, said that out of 30 villages in the commune, 20 villages were affected by flooding. According to preliminary statistics, the recent rains and floods have flooded nearly 1,300 houses; 100 hectares of rice and crops, and 4.5 hectares of aquaculture. In particular, the provincial road DT477 passing through the commune near the foot of Nho Quan bridge was flooded about half a meter, making it impossible for many vehicles to move, causing inconvenience to the people.

*Many villages in Phu Son commune were deeply flooded due to heavy rain combined with floods from upstream.*

Faced with that reality, the Commune People's Committee has proactively evacuated people from dangerous areas, especially mountainous areas at risk of landslides and weak housing areas; inspected the entire system of dykes, embankments, pumping stations, roads and key vulnerable works, etc. In particular, to facilitate people to participate in smooth and safe traffic on DT477 route, the locality has mobilized the police, military , militia, youth union and many organizations and individuals with large-capacity vehicles to participate in supporting free transportation of vehicles and people through deep water areas.

“From the afternoon of September 30, about 15 trucks and rescue vehicles were mobilized to support the safe transportation of thousands of people and vehicles traveling through this route. The main vehicles are motorbikes, electric bicycles, and low-chassis cars. Thereby contributing to ensuring traffic safety, while demonstrating the tradition of solidarity and mutual support of local people,” the Vice Chairman of the Commune People’s Committee added.

In Phu Son commune, rescue vehicles were mobilized to help transport people and vehicles through flooded areas.

Mr. Quach Nhu Y, Minh Y Event Company, Phu Son Commune said: “Immediately after receiving the call from the local government, we mobilized 3 trucks to take turns transporting people and vehicles of the people safely through the deep water area. In the coming days, if the water has not receded, the Company will continue to accompany and support the people.”

According to the experience of local people, with the current high water level, it will take at least a week for the flood to recede. If the rainfall decreases or stops, then we can temporarily feel secure. However, no matter what the weather is like, the locality is always proactive in all situations, promptly responding to minimize damage to people and property.

*Phu Son commune forces actively support people and vehicles traveling through deep water areas.*

Not only Gia Vien and Phu Son, many other low-lying, riverside communes in the southern region of the province such as Gia Phong, Gia Hung, Gia Lam, Nho Quan, Gia Tuong were also flooded with thousands of households affected.

According to the Ninh Binh Hydrometeorological Station, at 1:00 a.m. this morning, October 2, the water level on the rivers was still high, above alert level 3. Hoang Long River at Ben De station was 4.47m (> Alert Level 3: 0.47m), at Gian Khau station was 4.08m (> Alert Level 3: 0.38m); Day River at Phu Ly station was 4.84m (> Alert Level 3: 0.84m), at Ninh Binh station was 3.66m (> Alert Level 3: 0.16m); Ninh Co River at Truc Phuong station was 2.62m (> Alert Level 3: 0.02m). In the next 12-24 hours, the water level on the rivers will slowly decrease but will still be approximately or above alert level 3, and may develop complicatedly depending on the weather situation.

In the context of complicated developments of floods, the proactive and timely response of the government and the solidarity and unanimity of the people are important factors in minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of lives and property. With the drastic participation of the entire political system and the tradition of solidarity and affection of the people, we believe that localities will soon overcome difficulties, stabilize their lives and restore production after the flood.