Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung: Focus on relocating people, mobilizing all forces to overcome traffic disruption in Dak Lak

(Chinhphu.vn) - On the morning of November 19, right after inspecting the flood situation in Khanh Hoa, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung was present at National Highway 1, passing through Tuy An Bac commune, Dak Lak province - where traffic is being cut off due to rising floodwaters and strong currents, causing insecurity for people and vehicles.

On the morning of November 19, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung was present at National Highway 1, the section passing through Tuy An Bac commune, Dak Lak province - where traffic is being cut off due to rising floodwaters and strong currents, causing insecurity for people and vehicles - Photo: VGP/Gia Huy

Also attending were Vice Chairman of Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thien Van; Major General Pham Hai Chau, Deputy Director of the Department of Rescue and Relief (General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army); representatives of the Government Office ...

Floods rose rapidly, many areas were deeply submerged.

Reporting at the scene, local leaders said that Tuy An Bac commune and surrounding areas are deeply flooded, making access to rescue people difficult. The situation is assessed as "the most critical ever", with floodwaters approaching the historic level of 1993.

Provincial forces activated the "4 on-site" policy since November 18, but the water rose so quickly that many areas were isolated.

Rescue representatives suggested increasing the number of small boats and rafts because large canoes cannot enter narrow alleys; at the same time, they proposed being ready to use helicopters when the weather permits to observe, search for and support isolated people.

The provincial People's Committee leader said that he had urgently requested the provincial Military Command, the provincial Police and military units stationed in the area to increase rescue forces and equipment. The shock teams in the villages and hamlets are checking and updating the locations of trapped people to organize timely evacuation.

Deputy Prime Minister listens to reports from authorities on the flood situation in Dak Lak - Photo: VGP/Gia Huy

The number one priority is to evacuate people to safety.

Directly inspecting the area of ​​the divided national highway, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung emphasized that the flood situation this year is "very severe and very dangerous", especially in the eastern areas of Dak Lak province.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested that, first, focus on evacuating people from dangerous areas by all possible means. Localities must mobilize maximum local forces. Police, army, and border guards must take strong action to bring people to safety as soon as possible. This is the highest priority task.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested the authorities to set up barriers and direct traffic, absolutely not allowing people and vehicles to deliberately pass through dangerous areas; urgently fix flooded areas, and open temporary routes when safety conditions are met - Photo: VGP/Gia Huy

Second, deploy warnings and blockades in landslide and deep-flooded areas; resolutely prohibit people and vehicles from passing through dangerous locations. Roads at risk of landslides must be immediately blocked to ensure safety of life.

Third, ensure timely relief for the people. The Deputy Prime Minister requested the province to provide adequate food, provisions, and essential necessities during the time people have to evacuate or when they return home after the flood recedes.

All deeply flooded areas where all assets have been washed away need immediate priority support and continued attention during the recovery phase.

Strengthening support forces for Dak Lak

Responding to reporters' questions at the scene about increasing forces when the locality is "thin in force" and lacks rescue equipment, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the Ministry of National Defense has been asked to mobilize maximum forces and equipment to support Dak Lak during the day. Military Region 5 will deploy forces as soon as weather conditions permit, ensuring the fastest rescue in deeply flooded and vulnerable areas.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested forces to be on duty 24/7, maintain smooth information, and be proactive in all situations to ensure absolute safety for people and promptly overcome traffic disruption on National Highway 1 and key routes of the province.

Authorities evacuate people from flooded areas due to rising floodwaters - Photo: VGP/Gia Huy

Gia Huy

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/pho-thu-tuong-ho-quoc-dung-tap-trung-di-doi-dan-huy-dong-tong-luc-khac-phuc-chia-cat-giao-thong-tai-dak-lak-102251119115824401.htm