A special task force has been set up to deal with natural disasters and help people in rural areas of Hanoi recover from flooding and resettle..

A flooded area in Nam Phuong Tien Commune, Hanoi's Chuong My District. Photo: The Hanoi Times

The task force, led by Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Tran Sy Thanh, will assist local authorities in Chuong My, Quoc Oai and Thach That districts in dealing with the floods.

The unit will work with central authorities and neighbouring provinces to develop flood prevention response plans and ensure the absolute safety of the dyke system, especially at vulnerable sections in the three districts.

In addition, the task force will provide timely and comprehensive updates on the development of the disaster and the city's response.

The members who head the three districts are responsible for implementing their local strategies for search and rescue, disaster response and recovery, and disaster prevention. These officials are also responsible for maintaining constant contact with neighboring localities to deal with situations arising from natural disasters.

Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, urged the districts of Chuong My, Quoc Oai and Thach That to remain vigilant day and night to inspect, detect and immediately deal with any incidents. He also asked local authorities to check for dike breaches in their areas and for all local units to be on standby for emergency response.

He also stressed the need for district governments to ensure the well-being of residents, especially in areas that have been severely flooded, and to prevent food and clothing shortages and outbreaks of disease.

The Mayor of Hanoi suggested that the Communication and Education Department of the Hanoi Party Committee closely coordinate with the Hanoi People's Committee to provide the public with accurate information on the flood and disaster situation.

Hanoi's Department of Information and Communication and the media should closely monitor the situation and help people keep abreast of the city government's decisions, he added.

The Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and all districts must develop both short-term and long-term response plans and take proactive measures to deal with unexpected disasters, minimizing damage and stabilizing residents' lives.