PANO - The Chemical Arm opened a centre for responding to toxic chemical, radioactive and nuclear incidents in the North, on October 7th at the Arm’s Brigade 86.

The Arm’s Commander Major General Nguyen Thanh Tung announced related decisions on the establishment of this centre.

Similar centres in the Central and the South were inaugurated earlier.

Delegates at an exhibition of equipment of the newly-established centre

The establishment of these centres is part of the decision signed on November 17th, 2011 by the Minister of National Defence. They are directly run by the Chemical Arm.

The centre functions as a force responsible for techniques and coordinating with other relevant forces to respond to possible toxic chemical, radioactive and nuclear incidents in line with the nation’s response plans.

Additionally, it is tasked to give recommendations to the Arm on the measures to deal with incidents occurring in the localities where the Arm is in charge; to actively send standby forces and vehicles to overcome the incidents; to inform other forces in the area to stop the development of the incidents; and undertake search and rescue missions.

To date, such centres have promptly and stably arranged their personnel and organization as well as been equipped with necessary equipment and techniques for operation.

Translated by Mai Huong