People in the upper La River area put their belongings high, prepare boats, and proactively respond to flood risks.

Faced with the complicated developments of floods, especially in the Ca River basin, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Ha Tinh province issued urgent dispatch No. 11/CD-UBND requesting localities to proactively respond to the risks of flooding, flash floods, and landslides. It was noted that in communes in the upper La River such as Duc Tho, Duc Quang, and Duc Minh, although the water level has just begun to rise, local people have been implementing many specific and practical measures to respond promptly and minimize risks when natural disasters occur.

The water level in La River is showing signs of rising.

As soon as there was a warning about a large-amplitude flood on the Ca River, the flood peak in the upstream and downstream of the Ca River was likely to rise above level 3, the risk level of natural disasters due to floods was level 3, people in communes outside the La Giang dike urgently raised beds, cabinets, household items, and moved assets to high places to avoid flooding.

Many households have proactively prepared means of transport such as boats, canoes, and life buoys for timely use when flood waters rise rapidly. In particular, the movement of livestock such as buffaloes, cows, pigs, goats, etc. to high lofts or to safe areas has been carried out simultaneously, contributing to ensuring livelihood security.

“Hearing the announcement that the river water was rising, my family proactively raised some furniture such as cabinets, beds, rice, and electrical appliances to the attic. Although the water level is still low, it is unpredictable now so we cannot be subjective. If we take the initiative early, we will avoid damage later,” said Ms. Hoang Thi Ly from Tien Phong village (Duc Quang commune).

Ms. Hoang Thi Ly proactively moved some furniture upstairs when she heard about the complicated flood situation.

Not only proactively evacuating assets and preparing vehicles, people also closely followed weather forecast information channels, flood warnings from commune and village radio systems and media. Households living near vulnerable areas, at risk of deep flooding or being isolated, were inspected by local authorities, instructed on evacuation plans, and supported in moving the elderly and children to safety.

In addition to the proactiveness of the people, the authorities are also actively monitoring the weather and water levels to promptly warn, regulate and avoid damage caused by floods. At Duc Xa sluice (Duc Quang commune), since noon today, the Construction Management Board has closed the sluice after receiving information about heavy rain in the Ca river basin. According to records at 2 p.m., the upstream water level reached 1.77m, downstream 0.56m.

Bac Ha Tinh Irrigation Company Limited inspects Duc Xa sluice area.

“At the beginning of the flood season, the company directed regular inspections of the system. Today, everyone was on duty, closely monitoring the water level and checking periodically every 30 minutes. The principle is that clear water is drained out, and water from the river is closed to protect the fields and residents inside,” said Mr. Tran Dinh Thuc - Head of the Duc Xa Sluice Management Team (North Ha Tinh Irrigation Company Limited).

In fact, it is the spirit of not being subjective, the early and far-reaching initiative that has helped the people in the upper La River gradually adapt and reduce the risk of natural disasters. Specific actions such as raising furniture, preparing boats, and moving cattle to the attic are not only experiences accumulated through many flood seasons, but also a clear manifestation of community awareness and the connection between the people and the local government in natural disaster prevention.

Immediately after the Provincial People's Committee issued an urgent dispatch, the Duc Minh commune government quickly established a working group to go to the area to inspect, monitor the situation and direct flood response work in areas where water levels are likely to rise rapidly.

The inspection team of Duc Minh commune conducted surveys in vulnerable areas and warned each household.

Mr. Le Dinh Tai - Vice Chairman of Duc Minh Commune People's Committee said: "We have set up an inspection team to go directly to the communes outside the dike, low-lying areas, and vulnerable areas; at the same time, remind people not to be subjective. Floods can develop unexpectedly, so we must be proactive early, especially in evacuating people, property, and livestock. Local authorities have also been thoroughly instructed to closely monitor the situation and prepare on-site plans."

In low-lying communes along the La River such as Duc Minh, many households have had specific flood prevention plans, especially protecting livestock - valuable assets closely linked to the livelihood of the whole family.

Mr. Nguyen Van Loan’s family (Tan An village, Duc Minh commune) had prepared ropes, dry straw and built a temporary attic over the buffalo pen since the beginning of the rainy season. “When the flood comes suddenly, we don’t have time to react, so as soon as the water rises, I bring the buffaloes and cows up to the attic and tie them tightly. If we lose the buffaloes, we will have nothing,” Mr. Loan shared.

People prepare boats before the information that a flood with large amplitude will appear on Ca River, the flood peak in the upstream and downstream of Ca River is likely to rise above level 3, the level of natural disaster risk due to floods is level 3.

Small wooden boats are also reinforced and anchored in front of the porches of households in case of emergency evacuation when the water rises. Without waiting for the government to remind them, the people here are acting based on experience, self-vigilance and the worries from previous floods.

In the context of the still complicated weather, the People's Committee of Ha Tinh province requested localities to continue to review high-risk areas and prepare forces and means to evacuate people when necessary. The dispatch also emphasized that subjectivity and negligence can lead to serious consequences, so it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions, raise vigilance and take decisive action in all situations.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/nguoi-dan-vung-thuong-song-la-ke-cao-do-dac-chuan-bi-thuyen-chu-dong-ung-pho-nguy-co-lu-post292327.html