Da Nang People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh has approved Directive No. 04/CT-UBND on natural disaster mitigation, search and rescue missions set for this year.

As per request by the municipal government, competent local agencies must actively develop and integrate disaster and climate change adaptation plans into the city’s socio-economic development strategies and their on-going programmes and projects.

Besides, it is a need to strengthen the application of science and technology and international cooperation in disaster preparedness and response activities, and identify natural disaster scenarios that may occur in the locality.

Specific and detailed plans must be mapped out to give timely rescue to those residing in areas highly vulnerable to high tides and sea waves, and coastal and riverside sites frequently subject to erosion, flash floods and landslide.

Also, drills on disaster response activities shall be organised in order to increase the level of preparedness and readiness.

All under-construction irrigation, disaster mitigation and embankment systems across the city are required to reach completion before this year rainy season.

Another must-fulfill task is to effectively implement solutions to cope with drought, water shortage and saltwater intrusion in a bid to ensure smooth water supplies across the city.

In particular, the Cam Le and Hoa Vang governments shall assume the prime responsibility for coordinating with other relevant municipal agencies to carry out the relocation of residents living in locations which are at a high risk of landslides to safety.

According to projections recently released by the Mid-Central Region Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, this year’s rainy season is highly likely to begin early and end later than previous years. In particular, up to 13 storms operating in the East Sea, of which six could hit the mainland of Viet Nam, with up to four affecting Da Nang's weather conditions.

Reporting by HOANG HIEP – Translating by A.T