Hanoi Party Secretary direct post-typhoon recovery operations

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai conducted on-site inspections and provided guidance on the recovery efforts in various parts of Hanoi following super typhoon Yagi or Storm No. 3, which brought the strongest winds seen in Hanoi in the past 30 years. 

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai inspects post-storm recovery efforts in Bac Tu Liem District on September 8. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

Accompanying her was Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, Nguyen Manh Quyen.

She surveyed the damage and offered support to officials, soldiers, and residents in affected areas like Bac Tu Liem and Thanh Oai districts.

In response to the imminent threat of Storm No. 3, the Hanoi Party Committee convened to provide directions, while the city government swiftly implemented Central Government instructions. Roles and responsibilities were clearly defined, emphasizing the leadership of the Party and the accountability of key leaders.

Following the guidance from the city’s Party Committee, the local government mobilized the entire political system to take immediate and necessary actions. City departments activated drainage pumping stations, lowered water levels in reservoirs, and suspended construction on at-risk projects.

Special attention was given to strictly enforcing regulations on construction permits for flood control and irrigation-related projects, as well as reviewing and addressing high-risk areas. Lessons learned from past natural disasters, such as locations prone to drowning and landslides, were thoroughly applied to ensure maximum safety for the residents.

Moreover, the city took preemptive steps to safeguard students at the start of the new school year, with all schools in Hanoi closed on September 7. Thanks to the city's proactive and coordinated efforts, the overall damage was significantly minimized.

During meetings with district leaders and city departments, Hoai praised local Party committees and authorities for their strict compliance with central and city directives, as well as their successful mobilization of the political system and public resources in response to the storm. 

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai and the city's officials inspect Khe Tang Pumping Station No.2 in Cu Khe Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi on September 8.

She commended the dedication of the leadership, officials, police, military forces, and other emergency teams who worked around the clock, overcoming challenges and risks to complete their duties.

She urged local authorities to continue closely monitoring local conditions, mobilizing the political system, and rigorously implementing flood and storm response plans.

She stressed the need to remain vigilant even after the storm's passing and to focus on assisting severely impacted households, especially those whose homes and structures were damaged. Forces and equipment must remain ready to handle potential issues, particularly in drainage management during heavy rains, and to ensure the safety of dikes, dams, and reservoirs.

She stressed the top priority of electrical safety. “If there’s any risk of leakage, do not restore power,” she said.

At the same time, she warned local authorities of drownings and ensured absolute safety during the recovery process. For fallen trees, if they can be saved, make every effort to do so. If they can be replanted, replant and nurture them. “Only cut them down as a last resort, because growing trees takes a lot of time and effort,” Hoai emphasized.

She also called on local authorities to provide timely support to disadvantaged families, the elderly, the sick, and policy households affected by the storm. Adequate provisions of food, medicine, and essential supplies must be ensured for those needed.

The secretary urged all sectors and forces to maintain their strong sense of responsibility to restore stability to people’s lives. “I encourage you all to stay engaged at the grassroots level, regularly inspect and supervise task implementation to achieve the highest level of efficiency,” she stressed.