Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited and encouraged the military forces participating in environmental cleanup efforts.
Helping the people of Yen Bai city overcome the consequences of typhoon No. 3.

1.Typhoon No. 3 was the strongest typhoon in the South China Sea in recent days.30over the past year and is the strongest on land in our country in about70Last year, the storms were of very high intensity, very high speed, wide range, and had strong winds near the center.14, sudden17The storm lasted a long time, was extremely destructive, and had a very severe impact and influence over a very wide area in most localities of Northern Vietnam. Two complex and difficult-to-predict issues were the prolonged duration of the storm inland and the very heavy rainfall in the storm's circulation. The heavy rainfall during and after the storm caused flooding, flash floods, landslides in many mountainous areas, and major flooding in most rivers in Northern Vietnam.[1]This has resulted in very serious damage to people, property, crops, livestock, socio-economic infrastructure, production and business activities, and various sectors, especially agriculture, in the affected localities.

Given the complex developments of Typhoon No. 3 and the subsequent floods, the Politburo, the Party and State leaders, the Government, and the Prime Minister have focused on directing all levels, sectors, localities, and functional forces to urgently, decisively, and synchronously implement tasks and solutions to prevent, mitigate, and overcome the consequences of the storm.

On September 9, 2024, amidst heavy rains and flooding caused by the storm's remnants, the Politburo convened a meeting, directing the entire political system to focus on responding to the storm and floods. General Secretary and President To Lam was present.Letter of greetings to our compatriots and soldiers.Affected by typhoon number 3; directly inspected and directed response and recovery efforts in several localities.

The Prime Minister has issued10The official dispatch directs ministries, sectors, and localities to closely monitor the situation, focus on responding to storms and floods early, from afar, and at the grassroots level, with the motto of being proactive, decisive, and preventing and responding effectively at the highest level, and being prepared for the worst-case scenarios.

Party, State, and Government leaders, as well as local authorities, directly inspected and directed the implementation of response and recovery efforts following storms and floods. They promptly encouraged and visited the people and forces participating in storm and flood prevention and control, especially families and localities that suffered casualties, to minimize damage as much as possible. All levels, sectors, localities, political and social organizations, and the entire population proactively coordinated closely and implemented comprehensively and decisively the tasks and solutions for storm and flood prevention and recovery. Nearly [number] were mobilized.700thousands of people and nearly9Thousands of vehicles are deployed to respond to storms, heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods; proactive measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of people's lives and property.[2].

The Prime Minister promptly decided to allocate funds from the central government budget and release rice from the national reserves to support local authorities.[3]The Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front organized a ceremony to launch a campaign to support people affected by storms and floods; by September 21, 2024, a total of more than [amount] had been mobilized.1,646billion VND.

2.Although the proactive and early involvement from the grassroots level, along with the tremendous efforts of the entire political system, all levels, sectors, localities, functional forces, the business community, and the people, have significantly contributed to minimizing the impact and effects of storms and floods,However, the damage remains extensive and has left serious and devastating consequences.The storms caused hundreds of deaths and disappearances, thousands of injuries; hundreds of thousands of houses were flooded and damaged; hundreds of thousands of hectares of rice, crops, and fruit trees were submerged and damaged; thousands of aquaculture cages and boats were damaged or swept away; millions of livestock and poultry died; widespread power outages and communication disruptions occurred in some localities; hundreds of dike failures, landslides, floods, and localized transportation disruptions occurred; and most importantly, the mental trauma suffered by the people and the irreplaceable grief and loss of relatives and families who lost loved ones or were injured due to the storms and floods.[4].

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspects the post-typhoon recovery efforts in Yen Bai city.

In the face of the immense losses suffered by our compatriots in the affected areas, we deeply sympathize with and share the tears and immeasurable grief of the families who have unfortunately lost loved ones. Wherever we go in the areas affected by the storms and floods, we feel heartbroken and pained to witness firsthand the destruction of villages, houses, fields, orchards, fish ponds, fish cages, and the property of our people by the floods.

We will never forget the courageous and selfless examples of the frontline forces, especially the officers and soldiers of the army and police who, without hesitation, faced danger and hardship to rescue their compatriots and conduct search and rescue operations during storms and floods. Among them were comrades who bravely sacrificed their lives, demonstrating the noble nature of "Ho Chi Minh's soldiers", of a People's Public Security officer"For the sake of the country, to sacrifice oneself; for the sake of the people."

We are deeply moved and admire the proactive, positive, united, and resilient spirit of the people in the flood-stricken areas, especially the quick-witted, creative, and courageous individuals who carried out dangerous tasks, such as promptly rescuing villagers from flash floods and saving boats drifting freely on the fast-flowing rivers.

Thesea charitable bus trip"These acts of kindness and noble deeds in helping our compatriots in need are clear evidence of the spirit of solidarity, mutual support, and the fine tradition of patriotism and love for our people. We also always remember the valuable sharing and assistance of the Vietnamese community abroad and the timely support of many countries and international organizations."

From the practical experience of preventing and mitigating the consequences of storms and floods, we can see even more clearly...To consolidate and strengthen confidence in the Party's leadership and the combined strength of the entire political system, of all the people and the entire army.In particular, the unity and cooperation of all levels, sectors, and localities, and the strong bond of solidarity among the people and soldiers during times of difficulty and hardship, demonstrate the noble nature of our regime.

Despite numerous limitations and shortcomings, and overcoming significant difficulties and challenges in disaster prevention and control, we increasingly recognize the fundamental elements that form the source of our nation's strength, which are being powerfully promoted, among which the following stand out:"Six Pillars of Vietnam"including:

(1)The foundation is the spirit of national unity, unity within the Party, unity among the people, unity within the country, and international unity.Unity, unity, great unity; Success, success, great success.", as our beloved President Ho Chi Minh instructed;

(2)The glorious Communist Party of Vietnam is the cornerstone of leadership; for nearly 95 years, the Party has had no other goal than to bring independence and freedom to the nation and a prosperous and happy life to the people.

(3)The foundation of the nation's glorious historical and cultural traditions, civilization, and cultural heritage, along with the spirit of mutual support and compassion.Treat others as you would treat yourself.", "The fortunate should help the unfortunate, and those with less should help those with even less.", "Oh gourd, have pity on the pumpkin; though they are of different kinds, they grow on the same vine.";

(4)The people are the foundation; the people make history; strength originates from the people.A hundred times easier, but without the people's support, nothing can be achieved; a thousand times harder, but with the people's cooperation, everything can be accomplished.";

(5)The Army and the Police are the mainstays of support;When needed, when things are difficult, the Army and the Police are available.”, "Our army comes from the people and fights for the people.", "Our police force, selflessly dedicated to the nation and serving the people.";

(6)The spiritual anchor of self-reliance and self-strength of our nation, and of each individual, is that when faced with difficulties and challenges, the greater the pressure, the more we strive and persevere, overcoming our own limitations, with the spirit of "To create something out of nothing, to make something difficult easy, to turn the impossible into the possible.".

3.To urgently address the consequences of Typhoon No. 3, all levels, sectors, localities, functional forces, and people and soldiers nationwide need to continue to seriously implement the directives of the Politburo, the Party and State leaders, the Government, and the Prime Minister, especially focusing on effective implementation.6The key tasks and solutions focus on protecting the lives, safety, and health of the people; supporting the stabilization of people's lives; restoring and developing production and business; preparing for and responding to natural disasters, storms, and floods; reducing and simplifying administrative procedures to implement support policies; controlling inflation and promoting economic growth in accordance with the spirit of Resolution No. 143/NQ-CP dated September 17, 2024, of the Government.

In there,Urgent measures are needed to mitigate the aftermath of the storm and floods. quickly stabilize people's lives.This has been identified as a key and urgent task, especially for Party committees, government agencies, and functional forces at the grassroots level. Focus on searching for missing persons; providing timely medical treatment to the injured; visiting, sharing condolences, and supporting the families of the deceased; inspecting and reaching areas still isolated to provide timely and effective assistance to the people. Provide food, clean water, and shelter for those who have lost their homes; review and implement resettlement for displaced households, ensuring completion as soon as possible, before December 31, 2024, with better living conditions than their previous homes. Ensure environmental sanitation and disease prevention; urgently bring students back to school and bring hospitals and medical facilities back into operation in September 2024.

Promptly restore and ensure the smooth operation of transportation systems, communication networks, telephone services, electricity, clean water supply, and basic social services. Review and implement appropriate support measures to restore the production and business activities of enterprises, ensuring jobs and livelihoods for people in all sectors, especially industry, services, and agriculture.

Maintain political stability, security, safety, and ensure social order in the area. Effectively carry out information and communication work, preventing hostile and reactionary forces from exploiting and distorting information to undermine the system.

At the same time, continue to review and fully compile statistics on the damage in order to promptly propose and recommend to the Government and the Prime Minister to consider using national reserves, central budget contingency funds, and other legal sources to support people in overcoming the consequences of storms and floods in accordance with the law.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited and encouraged the military forces who are searching for people missing due to flash floods in Nu village.
Bao Yen district, Lao Cai province.

4.Along with stabilizing people's lives as soon as possible, we need to focus on...Restoring production and business activities, promoting economic growth, and controlling inflation.This is a task of particular importance; only by successfully fulfilling this task can we ensure the stability and sustainability of the lives and livelihoods of people in areas affected by storms and floods in particular, and the people of the whole country in general; and at the same time, create a solid foundation for the socio-economic development of each locality, each region, and the entire country.

Regarding the restoration of production and business activities.Ministries, sectors, and localities need to focus on reviewing mechanisms and policies to provide timely and effective support to production facilities, business households, cooperatives, and enterprises to quickly restore production, supply chains, and labor, and to revive and promote production and business development. They should urgently implement tax exemptions, reductions, and extensions, as well as exemptions, reductions, and extensions of land and water surface lease fees for affected businesses, organizations, and individuals; promptly disburse advance payments and insurance benefits; and prioritize the allocation of resources to quickly address incidents and damage to transportation systems, dikes, and irrigation reservoirs.

Implement monetary policy solutions such as: restructuring loan terms, maintaining loan classifications, considering waiving or reducing interest rates for affected customers; supplement resources to implement preferential credit policies for the Social Policy Bank; continue providing new loans to customers to restore production and business after storms and floods.

Focus on immediately restoring agricultural production capacity; seize this opportunity to restructure crops and livestock in various regions and localities towards more environmentally friendly, efficient, and sustainable practices; provide timely support with seeds, feed, chemicals, and necessary supplies. Quickly bring affected industrial zones and industrial, commercial, and service projects back to normal operation; rapidly restore damaged logistics facilities and warehouses to prevent disruptions to the supply chain.

Review and streamline administrative procedures to expedite the repair and reconstruction of buildings and factories affected by natural disasters, ensuring timely restoration of production and business activities; apply emergency investment procedures for projects and works related to storm and flood prevention. Local authorities should proactively mobilize the entire grassroots political system and coordinate closely with central ministries and agencies to focus on overcoming the consequences of natural disasters and storms in accordance with Government Resolution No. 143/NQ-CP.

Regarding promoting economic growth and controlling inflation.It is necessary to clearly identify this as one of the most central, consistent, and crucial aspects in the direction and management of macroeconomic policies, aiming for rapid, green, and sustainable development, and contributing to the restructuring of the economy in accordance with the Resolutions of the Party, the National Assembly, and the Government.

From now until the end of 2024 and throughout 2025, all levels, sectors, and localities need to continue to closely monitor and understand the market situation and prices; ensure sufficient supply and stable prices of essential goods and raw materials for daily life and production and business; absolutely prevent food shortages; continue to research the restructuring of the energy supply chain towards green, sustainable practices that are consistent with the country's natural conditions and the needs of the people; in the short and medium term, focus on ensuring sufficient supply of gasoline, diesel, and electricity to serve production, business, and consumption; and strictly handle acts of speculation, hoarding, and price manipulation.

Implement a proactive, flexible, timely, and effective monetary policy, closely and synchronously coordinating with a rational and focused expansionary fiscal policy and other policies to prioritize promoting growth, maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, and ensuring the major balances of the economy. Strengthen access to credit and reduce costs, and continue striving to lower lending interest rates to support the economy.

Effectively implement a rational and focused expansionary fiscal policy, especially policies on tax and fee deferrals, reductions, and extensions; strengthen expenditure savings, thoroughly reduce recurrent expenditures to allocate resources for social welfare, disaster relief, and development investment. Further accelerate the disbursement of public investment capital; prioritize the allocation of capital and expedite the progress of important national projects and projects with inter-provincial, inter-regional, and national, regional, and international connections.

Focus on researching and addressing the limitations and shortcomings of the stock, corporate bond, and real estate markets; promptly resolve difficulties and obstacles related to projects and land in inspection and audit conclusions and court rulings in some localities, as well as other stalled and unresolved projects, in accordance with the Politburo's directives; thereby contributing to freeing up resources, promoting production and business, and boosting economic growth.

Focus on renewing traditional growth drivers.investment, consumption, export) and strongly promote new growth drivers(such as urban development, regional economy, digital transformation, green transformation, circular economy, sharing economy, knowledge economy, high-tech industries and fields, semiconductor chips, artificial intelligence, etc.); with particular emphasis on developing the digital economy and green transformation, considering this an essential and objective requirement of integration and globalization, and also a favorable opportunity to move the country forward with the times and escape from "middle-income trap"

Continue to improve institutions, mechanisms, and policies to attract more social investment capital, promote the development of the private economy to truly be an important driving force of the economy; strengthen the selective attraction of foreign investment associated with technology transfer. Strongly promote the domestic market, effectively implement the campaign “Vietnamese people prioritize using Vietnamese products."

Expanding and diversifying export markets and supply chains, effectively utilizing signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and actively promoting negotiations and signing of new FTAs ​​with countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Halal product markets…

Continue to strongly promote and create qualitative changes in the implementation of the three strategic breakthroughs in institutions, human resources, and infrastructure; in which institutions are clearly defined as “breakthrough of breakthroughs"Because it is both a resource and an important driving force for the development of a socialist-oriented market economy; continuing to innovate thinking in institution building towards focusing not only on state management but also on expanding space and creating development; having open mechanisms and policies to create breakthroughs in removing difficulties for production and business, unlocking resources, training high-quality human resources, promoting science and technology, innovation and developing a synchronous and modern strategic infrastructure system."

Focus on accelerating industrialization and modernization, promoting economic restructuring associated with transforming the growth model towards improving productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness, and continuously improving Vietnam's position on the regional and global economic map. Strengthen discipline and order, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state management, continue to simplify and reduce administrative procedures, and create all favorable conditions for people and businesses.

At the same time, focus on developing cultural and social fields, ensuring social security, improving people's lives, and comprehensively protecting the environment; strengthen the fight against corruption and negative practices, contributing to serving and promoting socio-economic development; ensure political security, social order and safety, consolidate national defense and security, enhance foreign relations and international integration, maintain a peaceful and stable environment, and create favorable conditions for national development.

5.Vietnam is considered one of the countries most severely affected by natural disasters and climate change. In the coming period, the situation regarding natural disasters, storms, floods, and climate change is predicted to continue to be complex, extreme, and unpredictable, with increasing frequency and intensity, and increasingly severe impacts. In this context, the work of preventing and combating storms and floods in particular, and preventing, responding to, and mitigating the consequences of natural disasters in general, needs a strong, comprehensive, substantive, and effective transformation. This is a crucial political task, both urgent and strategically important for the entire political system, all levels, sectors, and localities.

In this context, it is essential to thoroughly understand the overarching principle of prioritizing the lives of the people above all else, and not sacrificing progress, social justice, and environmental protection for mere economic growth. No one should be left behind in disaster prevention and control, as well as in all economic and social activities. It is crucial to clearly define disaster prevention, control, and recovery as the responsibility and duty of the entire population and society; to maximize the proactive, positive, self-reliant, and self-strengthening spirit of Party committees, government agencies, and people at the grassroots level; and to avoid being caught off guard or unprepared in any situation. The approach must be scientific, rational, and appropriate to the practical situation; a seamless integration of traditional and modern methods is necessary; attention should be paid to all three stages of prevention, response, and recovery, with proactive prevention being the primary focus; and risk management and prevention should be shifted towards river basins, inter-regional, and inter-sectoral approaches.

At the same time, we must leverage the combined strength of national unity and solidarity, coupled with the power of the times; and utilize a people-centered, comprehensive, and global approach in preventing and mitigating the consequences of natural disasters.

To achieve the goals set out in the National Strategy for Disaster Prevention and Control to 2030, with a vision to 2050.[5]All levels, sectors, and localities must absolutely not be negligent or complacent, and must continue to implement synchronously and effectively Directive No. 42-CT/TW dated March 24, 2020, of the Party Central Committee on strengthening the Party's leadership over the work of preventing, responding to, and mitigating the consequences of natural disasters; the Law on Disaster Prevention and Control, the Law on Civil Defense, and the National Strategy and Plan for Disaster Prevention and Control. Focus on improving the quality of disaster forecasting and warning; continue to review and refine programs, plans, and scenarios for disaster prevention and mitigation, ensuring their integration into the national, regional, local, sectoral, and field-specific socio-economic development strategies, plans, and programs.

Implement the motto "Flexibly, creatively, and effectively"four on-site"at the grassroots level, adapting to the specific conditions of each locality and period. Focus on guiding and improving awareness and management skills in responding to natural disasters, especially at the grassroots level and in high-risk areas; focus on reviewing and improving procedures and regulations for organizing, operating, and coordinating disaster prevention and mitigation. Prioritize the allocation of resources for investment in synchronized, advanced equipment, infrastructure, and modern technology; continue to improve mechanisms and policies for the effective use of the Disaster Prevention and Control Fund. Urgently complete the Disaster Risk Zoning Program, build large-scale, detailed landslide and flash flood zoning maps down to the commune and village levels. Focus on relocating and resettling people in high-risk areas, linking them with job creation and sustainable livelihoods in new locations, ensuring they are equal to or better than their previous homes. Review and construct infrastructure to ensure flood and landslide prevention. Strengthen management, Protect and develop forests, improve forest quality, especially natural and protective forests.

Improve information and communication work, especially highlighting good models, effective methods, and exemplary advanced examples for wider dissemination. Strengthen international cooperation, mobilize support and assistance from countries, international organizations, and external partners, especially in human resource training, technology transfer, and advanced management and operational models, contributing to meeting the requirements of disaster prevention and control in the new phase.

***

Typhoon No. 3 has passed, but its consequences and heavy losses, both spiritual and material, remain for many people, families, villages, communities, localities, and the entire country. Upholding the fine tradition of...national solidarity, brotherhood"Always remember the teachings of our beloved Uncle Ho"Nothing is impossible / Only a lack of perseverance is to be feared / Moving mountains and filling seas / With determination, anything can be achieved."Under the glorious leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, let us further promote the spirit of solidarity, working together in unity, shoulder to shoulder, overcoming all difficulties and challenges, determined to quickly stabilize the lives of the people, actively restore production and business, socio-economic activities, and create livelihoods for people in flood-affected areas as soon as possible; at the same time, continue to strive to the utmost to successfully achieve the socio-economic development goals and tasks set forth in the Resolutions of the Party, the National Assembly, and the Government, contributing to promoting rapid and sustainable national development, bringing a prosperous and happy life to the people."

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[1]Heavy rains in the northern mountainous provinces reached...400-600mm, some places on700 mm caused major floods on most rivers in Northern Vietnam, especially the Red River flood in Yen Bai, which exceeded the historical flood level of 1968 by approximately1.3Heavy rains following the storm caused flooding, flash floods, landslides in many areas, most severely in Cao Bang (Nguyen Binh), Lao Cai (Bat Xat, Sa Pa, Si Ma Cai, Bac Ha), Yen Bai (Van Chan, Luc Yen, Yen Bai City), Hoa Binh (Da Bac)...

[2]The relevant agencies and forces have provided more guidance.51thousands of fishing boats and220Thousands of people, vehicles, and transport vessels operating at sea are evacuated from the danger zone or moved to safe shelters; evacuations are organized.53Thousands of people on floating cages, aquaculture watchtowers, and in weak houses have been evacuated or relocated.74.5thousand households and more130Thousands of people in flood-affected areas have been evacuated to safety.

[3]As of September 21, 2024, the central government had provided support.350billion VND432tons of rice,19tons of Chloramin B, a chemical used for environmental disinfection.3Millions of Aquatabs water disinfectant tablets have been sold; local authorities are currently compiling and statistically analyzing the extent of the damage in order to propose and request support from the central government.

[4]According to preliminary statistics from the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, Typhoon No. 3 and its aftermath have had a severe impact, causing significant damage to people and property.337dead and missing,1.929injured; damaged238thousands of houses; more195thousands of hectares of rice,47thousands of hectares of crops,36Thousands of hectares of fruit trees were flooded and damaged; more than4,7Thousands of aquaculture cages and rafts were damaged or swept away; more than3,2Millions of livestock and poultry died; at the same time, it caused widespread power outages and communication disruptions in some localities.766 Dam failures, landslides, flooding, and localized traffic disruptions. Initial estimates of total economic damage are approximately...61trillions of dong. GDP growth rates in many localities have slowed down, potentially leading to a decrease in the national GDP in 2024.0.15%so the scenario was proposed.

[5]The National Strategy for Disaster Prevention and Control to 2030, with a vision to 2050, sets the goal of proactively preventing and controlling natural disasters, adapting to climate change, minimizing losses of life and property for the people and the state; gradually building a nation capable of managing natural disaster risks, a community and society safe from natural disasters, creating conditions for sustainable socio-economic development, and maintaining national security and defense. The aim is to reduce human casualties from flash floods and landslides by 50% by 2030 compared to the 2011-2020 period; and to ensure that economic losses from natural disasters do not exceed 1.2% of GDP…

Source: Nhan Dan Newspaper