PM calls for swift action in flood-hit Bac Giang province

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged Bac Giang province's authorities to balance disaster recovery efforts with maintaining economic activity, especially in industrial zones, as the province is a key industrial hub in northern Vietnam.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspects the floods in Van Ha commune of Viet Yen township in the northern province of Bac Giang. (Photo: VNA)

He visited the northern locality on September 10 to oversee rescue and relief efforts after Typhoon Yagi.

In Van Ha commune, Viet Yen township, which has been severely impacted by rising waters that have left approximately 9,000 people isolated, the PM met with local authorities and rescue forces, urging them to continue evacuation of residents to safe places and ensure the distribution of essential supplies.

He also urged them to take proactive measures to ensure road safety, especially in areas prone to floods and landslides.

In response to the severe flooding along the Cau River, PM Chinh called for immediate action from Bac Giang's authorities, including mobilising all available resources for evacuation efforts.

Houses in Van Ha commune are submerged by floodwaters as the river continues to overflow (Photo: VNA)

He emphasised that student safety is paramount and requested schools be reopened only in safe places. He also called for uninterrupted electricity and telecommunications to facilitate the emergency response and the ongoing needs of residents.

The Prime Minister also urged Bac Giang's government to crack down on those who spread rumors and fake news to prevent public anxiety.

As the Cau, Thuong and Luc Nam Rivers are expected to continue flooding above warning Level 3, over 4,600 military personnel and numerous vehicles have been deployed for disaster relief efforts.

The storm has caused approximately 300 billion VND (12 million USD) in damages and claimed one life in the province to date./.

VNA