Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh this evening announced the establishment of a forward command post at the Military Region 4 Command Headquarters, chaired an emergency meeting with local leaders, and personally inspected preparations for responding to Storm No. 5 (Kajiki).
The meeting was attended by Acting Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang, Deputy Minister of National Defense Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien, members of the government task force, and leaders from Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces.
Due to the storm’s complex developments, strong intensity, and significant risk to central provinces, the Prime Minister directed ministries, agencies, and localities to proactively review and finalize emergency response plans.
He assigned Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to lead the newly established forward command post, which will coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and related forces to manage storm response efforts.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also held a hybrid emergency meeting with local officials to direct the response operations for Storm No. 5.
During the meeting, provinces reported their storm readiness measures. Over 59,000 boats from Thanh Hoa to Hue have safely docked, with no residents remaining aboard.
Authorities have also prepared detailed evacuation plans for more than 90,000 households in high-risk zones. Supplies of food, drinking water, essential goods, and emergency forces are on standby.
In the North Central region, 24 hydropower reservoirs are currently discharging to regulate water levels ahead of expected heavy rainfall. Some areas are particularly concerned about flash floods and landslides cutting off remote regions.
“Maximum preparation to avoid loss of life and property”
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The government’s forward command post at Military Region 4 Command Headquarters
Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that natural disasters this year have caused severe damage: 146 fatalities, 20 people missing, and property losses exceeding 5 trillion VND (approximately USD 210 million). These events have disrupted production, business activities, and affected public morale.
On behalf of the Party and State leadership, the Prime Minister extended condolences to those affected by recent disasters, especially families who lost loved ones - losses that, he said, cannot be compensated.
Regarding Storm No. 5, the Prime Minister noted that the storm intensified by five levels after entering the East Sea and could strengthen further before landfall. The storm is moving quickly, with a large impact area and presents serious risks, even to vessels already docked. Heavy rainfall could also lead to flash floods, landslides, and severe hazards.
The Prime Minister ordered comprehensive, early, and remote preparations even before the storm hits. This includes mobilizing emergency teams, ensuring adequate supplies of food, clean water, and medical equipment. The goal, he stressed, is to prevent any loss of life, injuries, or missing persons.
After the meeting, the Prime Minister inspected several high-risk areas and urged the military to maintain a ready force for possible deployment to other provinces when needed. He reinforced the "four-on-the-spot" approach, urging vigilance and proactive readiness at all levels.
