Hanoi, August 7, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has directed ministries, agencies, and localities to urgently address the aftermath of recent natural disasters in northern and north-central Vietnam. The directive aims to stabilise the lives of affected communities, prepare schools for the upcoming academic year, and ensure swift recovery and rehabilitation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of assisting provinces severely hit by floods and landslides — notably Điện Biên, Sơn La, and Nghệ An — which experienced devastating losses in late July and early August.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the disasters left 20 people dead or missing, 20 injured, destroyed or damaged over 8,000 houses, and disrupted more than 7,400 hectares of crops. In total, economic losses are estimated at VNĐ4.8 trillion (US$183 million).
Senior Party and State leaders expressed condolences to the victims’ families. PM Chính visited Điện Biên personally, while Deputy Prime Ministers travelled to other affected areas to oversee recovery operations.
The Prime Minister praised the efforts of local authorities, civil servants, and communities, highlighting the strong implementation of the “four-on-the-spot” disaster response model and national solidarity.
He ordered that by the end of August, all damaged schools must be repaired and ready to reopen. By September’s end, displaced families must receive safe and culturally appropriate housing. Temporary shelters are to be established immediately.
Free treatment is to be provided to the injured, and healthcare centres are to be restored and reinforced to prevent disease outbreaks. Critical infrastructure — including roads, electricity, water, and telecom systems — must be fully operational to restore normalcy.
The Ministry of Agriculture was tasked with restoring irrigation systems and distributing seeds, livestock, and tools by the end of August to help farmers resume production.
The Ministry of National Defence will oversee home reconstruction funded by the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, which has been asked to provide VNĐ100 million per new house and VNĐ30 million per major repair.
The Prime Minister appealed to citizens, organisations, and businesses nationwide to contribute resources — money, materials, or time — in the spirit of “sharing what we have, however little.”
Media outlets have been instructed to promote disaster prevention awareness and highlight relief efforts.
Looking ahead, PM Chính emphasized relocating residents from high-risk zones, enhancing forest restoration, and prioritising disaster-resilient infrastructure in the 2026–2030 development plans.
The Government Office has been tasked with monitoring progress and reporting to the PM and Deputy PMs.
