Official Dispatch 232/CD-TTg dated November 27 of the Prime Minister clearly stated the requirement: Urgently count the damage, propose resources, repair and rebuild houses for people before the Lunar New Year 2026. That directive was issued at the right time, when Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, Gia Lai were still reviewing every household and every roof that was severely damaged day and night. In many localities, commune officials have to "cast villages" and wade through mud to accurately determine the level of damage, not leaving any cases that need support.
In Dak Lak, immediately after the water receded, the first houses were started to be newly built. 16 houses with a total cost of 110 million VND each are a testament to the spirit of "not letting people live temporarily when Tet is approaching". In Khanh Hoa, the list of support is publicly posted in villages and residential groups; people directly monitor to prevent policy profiteering. This is an urgent but transparent approach, putting the interests of the people first.
Meanwhile, storm No. 15 continues to approach with unpredictable scenarios. Localities that have not yet completed the recovery of storm and flood consequences have had to develop new storm response plans: Banning the sea, reviewing dams, preparing forces to evacuate people. This shows a strategic requirement: It is impossible to wait until the old disaster is overcome to worry about the new disaster.
The Government has issued two consecutive telegrams and a Resolution in just one week, clearly demonstrating the proactive spirit of the apparatus: both supporting people in rebuilding and resolutely preparing to respond to all extreme weather situations that are about to occur. For Gia Lai - where more than VND 11,600 billion was damaged - the declaration of emergency situations in 77 communes and wards is a decision that shows the vigilance and timeliness of local authorities.
Caring for people after floods or responding to natural disasters are two tasks but both aim at one goal: Putting people's safety first.
Natural disasters are not waiting for us. In a country with a high frequency of storms and floods like Vietnam, the two tasks of "overcoming consequences" and "preventing" must become two pillars in parallel. When authorities at all levels demonstrate the urgency, transparency and proactiveness of recent days, people have the right to believe that even if storms continue, they will not be left behind.
