On the morning of November 20, Military Region 5 urgently held a meeting of the frontline command and the Dak Lak Provincial Civil Defense Command to respond to the situation of heavy rain and flooding occurring in many localities east of Dak Lak (old Phu Yen). The meeting was attended by Major General Tran Thanh Hai - Deputy Commander of Military Region 5 and Major General Pham Hai Chau - Director of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, General Staff.
At the meeting, members listened to the authorities report on weather developments, flood discharge from upstream hydropower plants on the Ba River and Ban Thach River; military forces present the situation of vehicle deployment, command information and residential areas that need urgent evacuation.
According to the report, the hydropower plant on the Ba River is releasing more than 13,000 m3/s, causing great impact on low-lying areas. The entire area has more than 3,000 people in 28 communes and wards that need to be relocated. Although the water has slowed down, it recedes very slowly, causing the risk of isolation at many points.
Directing here, Major General Tran Thanh Hai requested agencies and units to closely coordinate, proactively advise and mobilize forces, vehicles, food and provisions to support people in isolated areas. He emphasized the flexible application of the "4 on-site" motto to respond promptly to all situations.
Military Region 5 has proposed that the Ministry of National Defense be ready to use rescue helicopters when the situation is beyond the reach of ground forces. This is an important plan to ensure quick rescue, especially in areas with deep floodwaters and complete traffic disruption.
Major General Tran Thanh Hai requested that the performance of the task must strictly comply with safety regulations, ensuring smooth communication in commanding and operating rescue forces.
With the proactiveness of forces and the timely intervention of Military Region 5, the locality expects to minimize damage caused by floods, especially in communes and wards at high risk of deep flooding and isolation.
Early this morning - 6:00 a.m. on November 20, the Da Nang City Military Command urgently mobilized hundreds of life buoys, life jackets and specialized rescue equipment to hand over to the 372nd Air Division to carry out supply and transportation tasks to seriously affected areas in Gia Lai and Dak Lak provinces (including the old Phu Yen and Binh Dinh).
