Hanoi prepares for large-scale toxic chemical emergency drills
The drills aim to test the preparedness and decision-making capabilities of multiple agencies in high-risk situations.
Medical responders in hazmat suits perform a radiation screening drill in Hanoi. Photo: Phuong Nga / The Hanoi Times
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi will conduct a citywide drill this year to test its preparedness for a major chemical spill or fire in an industrial zone.
The drill is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025 at Meiko Electronics Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Thach That District.
It is part of Hanoi’s efforts under the 2021–2025 program to strengthen preparedness for chemical incidents and improve coordination among emergency response units.
The drill will simulate a traffic collision involving a truck carrying formaldehyde and a tanker truck loaded with hydrochloric acid. The collision will cause a fire and release toxic fumes that are beyond the company's control, prompting the deployment of municipal emergency response services.
It aims to test the preparedness and decision-making capabilities of multiple agencies in high-risk situations.
The nine-day operation includes training sessions, rehearsals, and a full live simulation. The Hanoi Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue will lead the drill, while the Department of Industry and Trade will be responsible for designing the scenario and coordinating logistics.
Key units involved include the Capital High Command, which will deploy 100 officers and specialized chemical response vehicles; the Hanoi Police Department, responsible for fire and rescue forces, hazmat units, and traffic control; the Department of Health, in charge of providing emergency medical teams and ambulances; and the Department of Agriculture and Environment to oversee on-site monitoring and damage assessments.
The Department of Industry and Commerce will manage the documentation, oversee the technical tests, and maintain inter-agency communication throughout the drill.
Through this drill, the city aims to improve its institutional capacity to handle complex chemical emergencies, particularly in urban-industrial zones where the risk of cross-sector impact is high.
Source: Plan No. 163/KH-UBND dated June 11, 2025 by the People’s Committee of Hanoi.
