The Vietnamese government is making significant strides to bolster its disaster preparedness and response strategies as reflected by two important conferences held recently. On March 7, 2025, the Ministry of Public Security convened a review meeting on climate change responses, disaster prevention, search and rescue (SAR), and civil defense, particularly focusing on the role of the People's Public Security Force (CAND) over the past year and outlining key tasks for 2025.
The conference, conducted online with representatives from Public Security offices across 63 provinces and cities, was chaired by Major General Đặng Hồng Đức, Deputy Minister of Public Security. It featured participation from provincial leaders, local police, and various governmental sectors. The conference aimed to evaluate the previous year's performance and plan proactive measures for the upcoming challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
During 2024, the Public Security forces were busy coordinating with the People's Army and other sectors to effectively respond to incidents, especially following the challenges posed by Storm No. 3 (Yagi). They mobilized hundreds of thousands of officers to assist during this crisis, showcasing their commitment to safeguarding the community.
"We are committed to the principle of serving the people," said Major General Đức, highlighting the force's dedication to rescue efforts, which included guiding hundreds to safety and saving approximately 11,812 individuals during conflicts and disasters, alongside relocating assets worth around 130 billion VND.
Another focal point of the conference was the establishment of proactive communication systems to facilitate timely responses. The Ministry continues to direct its forces to create effective plans for environmental protection, particularly against illegal activities related to natural resources, signifying their commitment to synergizing rescue efforts with responsible environmental stewardship.
Further demonstrating their preparedness, five specialized training courses were organized to equip nearly 1,000 police officers across various regions, including Hanoi and Quang Binh, with skills for disaster response and rescue operations. The strong emphasis on training was evident, as strategic drills related to fire and rescue operations were simultaneously conducted across the country.
Aside from training efforts, the Ministry mobilized resources to construct houses for families affected by natural disasters. They built 150 homes for those who lost everything during last year's floods, alongside coordinating with local communities to rebuild over 400 homes damaged by Storm No. 3.
Efforts to strengthen collaboration were mirrored by another conference held on March 11, 2025, focused on aviation search and rescue coordination held at Ninh Thuan province. This meeting brought together various officials, including Colonel Nguyễn Túy, Commander of the Military Command of Ninh Thuan Province, who expressed the importance of such collaboration. "This is not just a task for Ninh Thuan but for all regions facing emergency air incidents," he remarked, addressing the shared responsibility felt across governmental levels.
The primary discussion revolved around establishing effective coordination protocol between the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation and land management units, enhancing readiness to respond to civil aviation emergencies. A formal agreement was signed to adhere to the “4 on-site” principle—command, forces, means, and logistics being executed at the scene of incidents.
2024 saw the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation successfully coordinating with 20 provinces to sign SAR agreements, and there is ambition to extend this collaboration significantly throughout 2025. Nguyen Manh Kien, Deputy General Director of the Corporation noted the importance of solidifying roles and responsibilities with all stakeholders to improve efficiency and effectiveness during emergency responses.
The meetings have set the foundation for national cooperation, aiming to reduce property and human losses during emergencies. They serve as pivotal efforts to integrate responses across various levels of government and provide timely and effective actions to safeguard public safety.
Looking forward, both conferences signaled Vietnam's steadfast commitment to disaster management and the readiness to adapt operational procedures. Further collaborative exercises and resource allocation will hopely result in the capacity to handle various scenarios involving natural disasters and emergencies, ensuring the safety and welfare of its citizens remains the highest priority.