Party chief wades through floodwaters in Hue, directs urgent recovery efforts
Vietnam's central city of Hue has the heaviest rainfall, with more than 44,000 homes submerged and agricultural production suffered major losses, following Typhoon Fengshen.
THE HANOI TIMES — Party General Secretary To Lam on November 2 waded through knee-deep floodwaters during a visit to the central city of Hue, one of the areas hardest hit by recent floods, to direct emergency relief operations and accelerate post-disaster recovery.
Party General Secretary To Lam visits the central city of Hue, where has been severely impacted by recent floods. Photos: VNA
Lam said that the Vietnamese Government and Hue city's local authorities, with the support of international partners, have raised multiple aid rounds in a unified push for post-flood recovery.
He appreciated the city’s quick and decisive response to severe floods, highlighting the use of digital technology for transparent information and early warnings, along with community solidarity in dealing with the disaster.
The Party chief applauded on-the-ground efforts by the army, police and youth volunteers, who facilitated evacuations, supplies and cleanup to minimize sufferings and restore stability.
"Many officers, soldiers and citizens have risked their own safety to evacuate people and deliver food, warm clothes and medicine to flooded and isolated areas. Such compassion and solidarity reflect the Vietnamese tradition of sharing," Lam stressed.
Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at the meeting with Hue's authorities on November 2.
He extended his heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to all people affected by the recent natural disasters in the central region.
No citizen should be left hungry, cold or isolated without timely assistance. Temporary safe shelters, clean water, medicine and special care must be ensured for the elderly, children, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups,” stated Lam.
As weather patterns forecast still unpredictable, the Party leader called on officials and locals to stay alert, emphasizing proactive preparation for flood and storm.
Regarding proposals to curb flooding in Hue city in the time ahead, the Party leader said the Government will prioritize investments in reinforcing reservoirs and coastal dikes to protect communities from typhoons and heavy rains.
Party General Secretary To Lam presents aid and supplies to locals in the central city of Hue.
Nguyen Dinh Trung, Secretary of the Hue City Party Committee, reported that a potent cold front and high-altitude easterly disturbances dumped 1,000mm-1,800mm of rain on mountainous areas between October 25 and 30.
"As of 4 PM on November 1, the city reported 15 people died and one injured in the aftermath. Eight out of the 40 wards and communes remain inundated, with water levels averaging 0.3m-0.5m. Relief teams are supplying food and essentials to cut-off zones, ensuring no shortages," said the official.
Trung added that the deluge damaged 321 hectares of vegetables and 255 hectares of fruit trees, while burying 8.9 hectares of farmland. Preliminary losses are estimated at VND1.8 trillion (US$68.5 million).
The city's government has secured VND250 billion ($9.5 million) in emergency state funding, plus reserves of food, rescue gear and goods, which have been distributed directly to households. "No residents lack food or clean water, and cleanup is ongoing in receded areas," said Trung.
Party General Secretary To Lam presents gift packages to residents in Hue city.
