TKV urgently activates response plans for storm No. 3

Faced with the complex developments of storm No. 3 (WIPHA) with its strong intensity and the risk of widespread impacts on the northern provinces, the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (TKV) has quickly activated storm prevention plans following the motto "3 before, 4 on-site". The overarching goal is to absolutely protect the safety of workers, equipment, assets and maintain stable production activities, not to be passive or surprised by natural disasters.

Workers of Hon Gai Coal Selection Company dredge the drainage system at Lang Khanh Port.

On July 19, the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention - Search and Rescue of TKV issued an urgent dispatch, directing the entire Group to urgently deploy storm prevention and control measures according to level 3 natural disaster risk. Accordingly, the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention - Search and Rescue of TKV requested its affiliated units to regularly update storm developments from the meteorological forecasting agency; at the same time, activate the natural disaster prevention plan that has been developed, strictly implement the "3 before" (proactive prevention - early detection - timely handling) and "4 on-site" (on-site forces - on-site means - on-site logistics - on-site command). TKV units have been urgently taking action, synchronously and comprehensively deploying response solutions to minimize damage, ensure safety for workers, equipment, assets, and maintain stable production activities in adverse weather conditions.

At Hon Gai Coal Selection Company, the Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue issued urgent dispatch No. 4150/CD-BCH, requesting the entire political system, functional departments, workshops and production teams to activate storm prevention plans according to the motto "3 before, 4 on-site".

The company has requested that all pre-approved plans be activated immediately. Departments maintain continuous duty, increase weather monitoring, and promptly report any developments and incidents if they arise. Key areas such as conveyor systems, slopes, settling pits, coal warehouses, seaports, etc. are all inspected and reinforced; storm prevention materials and equipment such as tarpaulins, sacks, pumps, generators, and command vehicles are fully prepared.

To prevent the risk of coal drifting due to heavy rain, from July 18 to 20, the Company proactively covered the entire coal warehouse with tarpaulins, and promptly dredged and cleared the drainage system at the warehouse grounds to ensure quick drainage and limit flooding.

Leaders of TKV Group inspect storm prevention work No. 3 in Cam Pha area.

The spirit of urgency and determination in responding to storm No. 3 was also clearly demonstrated at Duong Huy Coal Company - TKV. With the motto of "being ready in all circumstances", the Company's Board of Directors directly directed and led field inspection teams at key locations such as +100 and +36, where surface flows are concentrated, posing a potential risk of greatly affecting the mine road, waste dump and technical infrastructure. Industrial explosives storage points and equipment warehouses have also been reviewed, reinforced and specific protection plans have been developed. All unusual situations are included in detailed response scenarios, with shock forces on duty 24/7, ready to handle quickly and effectively when incidents arise.

Mr. Nguyen Chi Truong, Deputy Director of Duong Huy Coal Company, said: “We identify proactiveness as a key factor. The shock teams are ready 24/7, ensuring timely response if any situation arises. All production activities are flexibly adjusted, in which the top priority is to ensure the safety of people and equipment. In addition to technical work, the Company also promotes propaganda so that workers can raise their vigilance, grasp information and proactively implement preventive measures. The internal loudspeaker system, bulletin board and online communication groups have all been activated, to ensure that all instructions from the Group and the Company's leaders are communicated quickly and clearly to each officer and worker.”

To ensure absolute safety in all situations, TKV has clearly classified risks according to the characteristics of each form of mining, thereby directing specific and practical response measures. For open-pit mining units, the requirement is to inspect and review all waste dumps, mine banks, drainage systems, and tailings dams; move equipment away from locations at risk of landslides and flooding; guard and post warning signs in dangerous areas. Underground mining units must strengthen drainage pumping systems, check partition walls, backup generators, and be ready to stop production and evacuate people from the mine if there are signs of rapid water rise.

TKV also requires all watercraft to be counted, moved away from strong wind areas, and safely anchored in storm shelters. At coastal warehouses and construction sites, units must reinforce equipment and workshops, cover with tarpaulins to ensure that coal and minerals do not drift away when heavy rain occurs. In particular, in areas with signs of subsidence, people must be evacuated to safety before the storm makes landfall.

Regarding logistics, units have prepared enough food, medicine, and drinking water to ensure service in case of isolation due to floods. The Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue of TKV requires that people and vehicles absolutely not be allowed to pass through overflow roads, streams, and spillways during times of heavy rain and rising flood waters.

Coal warehouses of Hon Gai Coal Selection Company are covered with tarpaulins to prevent coal from drifting. Photo: Bui Huy Hoang - Contributor

During 2 days (July 20 and 21), Vietnam National Coal - Mineral Industries Group (TKV) organized 3 working groups to inspect the actual work of preventing, combating and responding to storm No. 3 (storm WIPHA) at units in Ha Long, Cam Pha and the West (Quang Ninh). At the units, the Group's working groups focused on inspecting key locations and important items such as: Storm prevention works, mine and tunnel drainage pumping systems, backup generators, dams at the foot of waste dumps, drainage ditches and streams... to ensure safe operation and minimize damage when the storm makes landfall.

Mr. Nguyen Huy Nam, Deputy General Director of TKV, emphasized: The Group also assigned specific responsibilities to specialized departments to monitor and closely advise on the situation, ensuring that all responses are timely and within their authority. All directors and heads of units must not leave the area if there is a natural disaster warning of level 2 or higher. Reporting on the situation must be done honestly, quickly, and continuously before, during, and after the storm. With the spirit of "not being passive or surprised", TKV is mobilizing the maximum capacity of organization, operation, and coordination of the entire system to effectively respond to storm No. 3, with the highest goal of protecting the safety of lives and property and maintaining stable production in all possible natural disaster situations.

Pham Tang

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/tkv-khan-truong-kich-hoat-cac-phuong-an-ung-pho-voi-bao-so-3-3367644.html