In recent years, under the impact of climate change, weather, meteorological and hydrological conditions have become increasingly complex and unpredictable. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently in an El Niño phase and is forecast to remain strong in the final months of 2026 and early 2027. This is expected to increase the risks of heatwaves, drought, water shortages, saltwater intrusion and forest fires, while also potentially bringing heavy rainfall, floods and other hazardous weather events.
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Thai Nguyen provincial armed forces conduct search and rescue exercises. |
In implementation of the Prime Minister's Directive No.39/CT-TTg dated October 30, 2026, on strengthening pro-active measures to prevent, prepare for and respond to natural disasters caused by El Niño in 2026-2027, as well as directions from leaders of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) in Dispatch No.11519/VP-NC dated November 3, 2026, issued by the MND's Office, the General Staff has requested agencies and units to:
Strictly maintain civil defense duty and rescue readiness postures; pro-actively monitor, assess and forecast weather, meteorological and hydrological conditions, as well as potential incidents and natural disaster risks in their stationed areas and assigned operational areas.
Coordinate with local authorities to urgently update response plans based on various water supply and natural disaster scenarios, including situations more severe than forecast. Identify high-risk areas and vulnerable groups, and specify appropriate response measures; ensure uninterrupted communications and promptly and effectively handle any emergencies that arise.
Pro-actively prepare personnel, vehicles, equipment and supplies, ready to support local authorities upon request. Missions include transporting and supplying water, fighting forest fires, evacuating local people, conducting search and rescue operations, handling serious and complex situations, and maintaining security and public order in disaster-affected areas in accordance with assigned functions and tasks.
Direct and guide the use of water for daily activities, agricultural production and other purposes in line with available water supplies, ensuring economical and efficient use, particularly at agencies and units stationed in the Central region, Central Highlands and Southern Viet Nam.
Military regions are to direct provincial and municipal Military Commands to coordinate with local departments and agencies in advising Party committees and local authorities on inspecting, reviewing and finalizing plans for drainage and flood prevention in the event of unusually heavy rainfall. They are also to promote the "four-on-the-spot" motto; inspect areas at risk of flooding, flash floods, landslides, forest fires, drought, water shortages and saltwater intrusion; and closely monitor high-risk areas and reservoirs and dams.
Personnel, vehicles and supplies should be pro-actively deployed in areas prone to flooding, isolation and disruption of access. Close coordination with military units stationed in these areas is required to ensure readiness to evacuate residents from unsafe locations, organize response and recovery operations, conduct search and rescue missions, and provide and transport water for local residents when necessary.
The General Department of Logistics and Technical Services, the General Department of Defense Industry and other agencies and units, within their respective functions and responsibilities, are to review and replenish reserves of supplies, food, medicines, equipment and search and rescue vehicles, while ensuring logistical and technical support for forces on duty.
The General Staff has requested the General Department of Political Affairs to direct agencies and units to strengthen education, dissemination, emulation and commendation activities. It also called for greater use of military press agencies, Steering Committee 35 and forces tasked with safeguarding the Party's ideological foundation in cyberspace to disseminate knowledge and skills, promote effective models, and counter and refute false information.
Translated by Quynh Oanh