According to the dispatch, Storm Molave caused havoc in the Central region of the Philippines and is now gathering strength as it enters the East Sea (South China Sea). This is a violent storm affecting a vast area with the wind force near the storm’s eye reaching level 12 or 13 in the Beaufort scale and the gusts reaching level 15, forming high waves (up to 8-10m). The storm will move to the Central and South Central regions of Vietnam and is forecast to cause torrential rains starting on the night of October 27. Storm Molave is comparable to the 12th storm (Damrey) in 2017 which wreaked havoc in provinces from Binh Dinh to Ninh Thuan.
To implement Dispatch No.1470/CD-TTg of the Prime Minister issued on October 26 on response to Storm Molave and to actively brace for the storm, the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army directed all military agencies and units to immediately carry out important jobs.
In more detail,
- Units are to strictly maintain watch duty and frequently update themselves with information about the storm while pro-actively allocating forces, vehicles and equipment to deal with incidents in a timely manner. There must be measures to ensure safety for barracks, weapons and equipment, and prepare support for local people in case of floods, landslides, etc.
- The Vietnam Border Guard Command is to mobilize its forces in coastal provinces from Ha Tinh to Binh Thuan to coordinate with local governments in calling on ships and boats operating at sea to find shelters or leave dangerous waters. They are also to guide locals to moor ships and boats, tighten fish cages and ensure safety for both people and vehicles on islands and at sea.
- The Naval Service and the Vietnam Coast Guard Command are to ensure safety for vehicles operating at sea while maintaining forces on duty, ready for search and rescue (SAR) missions.
- The Air Defense – Air Force Service must be ready with personnel and aircraft for SAR missions.
- The commands of Military Regions 4 and 5 are to update themselves regularly on the storm developments and rain and flooding situations so as to coordinate effectively with local authorities and units stationed in the localities where the storm hits. The two commands must be ready for allocating forces, vehicles and equipment for dealing with possible disasters caused by the storm. More care must be paid to the safety of troops, vehicles and equipment in action.
Right after the storm has died down, troops of the two commands are to quickly join SAR operations and help locals mitigate consequences by rebuilding infrastructure, houses, and schools, and cleaning the living environment to prevent disease outbreaks, helping people quickly resume their normal lives.
- Units under the General Department of Politics are to disseminate information about SAR operations and disaster response activities of troops, and to promptly encourage groups and individuals with outstanding contribution to the mitigation of the consequences of the storm.
- Other general departments and units in the military must actively inspect their storm response preparations as well as their measures to settle storm consequences.
All of the concerning agencies and units must report their preparation work to the General Staff via the Department of Search and Rescue.
Translated by Huu Duong