Responding to extreme weather

- In recent years, the impact of climate change has increased the intensity, frequency, and scope of natural disasters and extreme weather events. The province has frequently experienced extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, floods, landslides, and prolonged droughts, causing serious damage to property and disrupting people's production activities. Given the unpredictable weather patterns, proactively responding to natural disasters and extreme weather events is absolutely essential.

Officials at the Provincial Meteorological and Hydrological Station examine radar cloud imagery to monitor the storm's circulation.

In 2024, the province was affected by natural disasters such as severe cold spells and floods, causing serious damage to people and property (estimated total damage exceeding 1,379 billion VND). Particularly, from the beginning of 2025 to the present, the province has experienced complex weather patterns, including prolonged heatwaves, along with several periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms in May and early June 2025, which have affected and damaged people's property.

Typically, the heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in the province on June 2nd caused landslides and flooding in many areas, resulting in significant property damage. The family of Mr. Nguyen Xuan Mai, residing in Group 1, Block 8, Cao Loc town, Cao Loc district, was one of the households affected by the heavy rain and strong winds on June 2nd. Specifically, the heavy rain and thunderstorms caused landslides behind their house and ripped off the roof of their kitchen, damaging several household items. The estimated damage is over 20 million VND.

According to expert assessments, 2025 is predicted to see a significant increase in the types of natural disasters and extreme weather events. Under the impact of climate change, global temperatures are forecast to continue rising, particularly influenced by the neutral ENSO phenomenon, increasing the risk of events such as intense heatwaves, strong storms, floods, and lightning.

Mr. Nguyen Van Son, Deputy Director of the Provincial Meteorological and Hydrological Station, said: According to forecasts, this year's rainy and storm season will see rainfall in the province at approximately the average level of previous years. Heavy rains will mainly occur from August to October, potentially leading to the biggest floods of the year. Dangerous weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, and strong gusts of wind may also occur, affecting production and public health. To prevent and mitigate natural disasters and reduce damage from extreme weather events, we always prioritize effective forecasting and prediction. Every day, we collect information and prepare an average of 5-8 weather warning bulletins (at peak times, this can exceed 20 bulletins per day) to send to the Provincial and district/city Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue Command Boards for widespread dissemination to the public so that timely response measures can be taken.

Furthermore, to ensure the safety of people's lives and property, the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue, as well as the district and city committees, have proactively implemented measures to prevent and respond to heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and landslides; directing communes to effectively disseminate information to villages and residents... At the same time, they monitor weather forecasts and disaster warnings from specialized agencies to promptly inform people, thereby enabling them to proactively take effective preventive measures.

Khanh Long commune in Trang Dinh district is one of the communes with many areas at risk of landslides. According to the commune's statistics, from 2024 to the present, 51 households in the commune have been affected by landslides, including 4 households that have had to relocate. Mr. Trieu Tien Quang, Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, said: To effectively prevent and mitigate natural disasters and minimize damage caused by extreme weather, from the beginning of the year, the Commune People's Committee has proactively propagated and guided people to inspect and reinforce houses and public works, and to prune tall, unsafe tree branches to prevent them from breaking or falling during thunderstorms. In particular, people are advised to evacuate themselves and their belongings when rain and floods occur; and to absolutely avoid going outside during heavy rain accompanied by lightning.

To support disaster prevention and control efforts, from the beginning of 2025 to the present, relevant units have provided 27 sets of uniforms, including raincoats, hats, and boots, to members of the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue. Annually, these units also conduct inventories of civil defense equipment, disaster response equipment, and search and rescue equipment. According to reports from relevant units, the province currently has 171 lifebuoys, over 6,900 life jackets, over 7,400 lifebuoys, 50 boats of various types, and 9 other types of vessels... all of relatively good quality to serve disaster prevention and control and search and rescue operations. In addition, relevant units continue to propose to the Provincial People's Committee to request the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense to provide additional new equipment.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Chien, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment and Deputy Head of the Provincial Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue, stated: To prevent and mitigate natural disasters and extreme weather events, the Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue at all levels, with the Department of Agriculture and Environment as the standing agency, has advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue documents implementing disaster prevention and search and rescue work; guided the People's Committees of districts and cities to strengthen propaganda and mobilization efforts to encourage people to proactively implement measures; and developed plans and scenarios to respond to each type of natural disaster and each level of risk, with a focus on the "four on-the-spot" principle. In addition, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has coordinated with other departments and agencies to directly inspect areas at risk of flooding and landslides, ensure dam safety, and closely monitor weather forecasts to provide early warnings and proactively implement timely response measures when natural disasters occur. Accordingly, from the beginning of 2025 to the present, the department has coordinated direct inspections in three districts: Van Quan, Trang Dinh, and Loc Binh. The inspections revealed that the People's Committees of these districts have proactively reviewed the current status of reservoirs and dams, issued plans, and developed disaster response strategies.

Given the complex nature of natural disasters and extreme weather events, to minimize damage and protect people's lives and property, all levels and sectors need to implement effective response measures such as improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of forecasting and early warning systems. At the same time, each citizen needs to raise awareness about disaster prevention and extreme weather phenomena to proactively prevent and minimize damage to people and property.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/thoi-tiet-kho-luong-san-sang-ung-pho-5049840.html