On April 18, 2025, the District Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue (PCTT và TKCN) held a significant conference aimed at coordinating efforts in civil defense, disaster prevention, and search and rescue for the upcoming year. The meeting was presided over by Trần Anh Khiêm, a member of the District Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the District People's Committee, who emphasized the importance of preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather and climate conditions.
Among the attendees were representatives from the provincial military command, various military units stationed in the area, and local leaders from key districts such as Quang Thiện, Kim Chính, Thượng Kiệm, Kim Đông, Kim Trung, and the town of Bình Minh. The collaboration was crucial as the district gears up for the challenges posed by natural disasters, including storms and forest fires.
Reflecting on the previous year, 2024 saw the region contend with nine storms and one tropical depression in the East Sea, four of which made landfall in Vietnam. Thanks to meticulous preparations, no casualties were reported during these events, and the district successfully managed to avert any fires or building collapses. The proactive measures included mobilizing 374 laborers from outside the Bình Minh 3 dike and relocating 1,401 households, totaling 2,311 individuals, to safer areas.
"Last year, our efforts ensured absolute safety in all aspects, and we aim to continue this trend," said Khiêm during the conference. He noted that the key to success lies in effective coordination and readiness to respond to emergencies. The committee's plan for 2025 includes comprehensive strategies to enhance awareness, responsibility, and implementation of disaster prevention and search and rescue operations.
As part of these preparations, the committee plans to adopt the principle of “3 before” — proactive prevention, timely detection and handling, and ensuring that forces, materials, and plans are ready beforehand. Additionally, the “4 on-site” approach will be employed, ensuring that local forces, materials, equipment, logistics, and command structures are all in place and ready for action.
To further bolster the community's readiness, the committee aims to improve public awareness and training. This includes ensuring that every citizen and 100% of military personnel are trained in swimming and emergency rescue techniques. Regular drills will be conducted to maintain high levels of preparedness, ensuring that all involved are well-versed in their roles during actual emergencies.
The conference also highlighted the importance of maintaining robust communication channels and practicing coordinated disaster response plans. In the event of a disaster, the district's committee will promptly mobilize local forces and resources to mitigate the impact of natural calamities.
In a related effort, the Border Guard Dog Training School has recently developed a new protocol for search and rescue operations using trained dogs. This initiative is particularly timely, as it aims to ensure rapid deployment of rescue teams within 30 minutes for domestic incidents and within three hours for international emergencies.
During a recent operation in Myanmar, Vietnamese search and rescue teams, including specialized working dogs, successfully located 16 victims trapped under collapsed buildings following an earthquake. The dogs identified specific locations of odor sources, facilitating the rescue of those in distress. This success underscores the critical role that trained dogs play in disaster response and the effectiveness of the newly established protocols.
The Border Guard Dog Training School’s new procedures aim for a professional and swift response, recognizing that the first 72 hours following a disaster are crucial for saving lives. Plans are underway to form specialized training teams to ensure that all personnel and dogs are ready for immediate deployment upon receiving an order.
As the conference concluded, representatives from various units signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in disaster prevention, search and rescue, fire prevention, and forest fire management for 2025. This collaborative effort is seen as vital for safeguarding both the community and the environment.
Looking ahead, the District Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue is committed to implementing a range of strategies to address the complexities of weather patterns and ensure the safety of residents. As Trần Anh Khiêm stated, "We must remain vigilant and prepared to protect our people and resources against the ever-changing nature of our environment." The emphasis on training, coordination, and community involvement will be essential as the district navigates the challenges of the coming year.
