The activity aimed to enhance awareness, knowledge, and disaster response skills among teachers and students, contributing to the creation of a safe school environment that is proactive in the face of increasing disaster risks driven by climate change.
The drill program consisted of three main components: a mechanism-based exercise; a multi-hazard evacuation drill; and first-aid scenario simulations integrated into the evacuation process, alongside practice in activating early warning systems during emergency situations.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, Deputy Director General of VDDMA, emphasized: “Strengthening disaster response capacity starting from schools is a crucial foundation for ensuring student safety and building a proactive and resilient society in the face of disasters and climate change.”
Mr. Vu Thai Truong, Head of the Climate Change and Environment Unit at UNDP Viet Nam, noted: “Disasters can occur unexpectedly, but early preparedness—beginning in the school environment—helps students remain calm and safe, while contributing to long-term community resilience.”
Sharing his perspective, Mr. Trinh Van Siem, a teacher at Tam Quan Bac Lower Secondary School, said: “Through the drill, students practice following instructions, coordinating under teachers’ guidance, and staying calm when facing emergency situations. The exercise also provides an opportunity for the school to review and assess coordination and command capacity, and to draw lessons learned to improve disaster response plans in line with actual conditions.”
Through the drill, students were equipped with essential skills such as early risk identification, maintaining calmness, following teachers’ instructions, supporting peers, and carrying out proper evacuation and first aid. These practical skills not only help protect the students themselves but can also be shared with their families and the wider community.
The drill at Tam Quan Bac Lower Secondary School forms part of broader efforts to strengthen disaster prevention and response at the community level, starting from schools—where knowledge, skills, and safety awareness for future generations are nurtured.
Since January 16, 2026, a total of 1,000 participants, including students, teachers, and relevant stakeholders, have taken part in drills at Cat Chanh, Hoai Hai, Cat Tien, and Tam Quan Bac Lower Secondary Schools.
