Chairman of Hanoi Demands Continuous Updates on Flood-Prone ‘Hotspots’

The Hanoi People’s Committee Office has issued an official announcement outlining the directives of Chairman Tran Sy Thanh, who leads both the City People’s Committee and the Civil Defense Command. These directives were delivered during an online meeting focused on preparedness measures for Typhoon No. 11 in the region.

On October 5th, Chairman Tran Sy Thanh convened a hybrid meeting—both in-person at the Hanoi People’s Committee headquarters and online—to assess reports and issue guidance on addressing Typhoon No. 11’s impact across Hanoi.

Following the briefing, Chairman Thanh mandated that all departments, agencies, localities, and units strictly adhere to Dispatch No. 16/CĐ-UBND dated October 4, 2025. This dispatch, issued by the Chairman, calls for urgent action to counter Typhoon No. 11 (internationally known as Matmo).

City leaders have urged the Northern Regional Hydro-Meteorological Center to increase the frequency of weather forecasts and warnings. This critical information will enable the Civil Defense Command, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, and other city agencies to stay updated. Media outlets and relevant bodies will also receive timely data to proactively implement response plans and advise on strategies tailored to specific disaster scenarios across sectors and areas.

Chairman Thanh directed the Hanoi Capital Command (the standing body of the Civil Defense Command) and the Department of Agriculture and Environment to ensure seamless communication. They are tasked with continuously updating all stakeholders—including district authorities, media, and central agencies—on flood conditions, mitigation efforts, and the resolution of critical issues. This includes addressing severe flooding, traffic disruptions, and other emergencies to ensure comprehensive disaster response and recovery.

Typhoon No. 11 arrives as the city still contends with the aftermath of heavy rainfall from Typhoon No. 10. Current risks include elevated water levels in rivers, lakes, and canals; saturated soil increasing flood and landslide dangers; and compromised safety of dikes, dams, and infrastructure. Prolonged flooding persists in several areas.

In response, the Departments of Agriculture and Environment, Construction, and local authorities must urgently assess and implement measures to drain flooded zones. They are also to develop safeguards against flash floods, landslides, and dike/dam failures, while ensuring the safety of construction sites.

Chairman Thanh tasked the Department of Agriculture and Environment with refining protocols for emergency operations, meetings, and communications related to disaster management. These updates aim to clarify responsibilities and ensure swift, coordinated responses to various disaster scenarios. The department is also directed to enhance command systems for rapid reaction to unforeseen events.

The Department of Education will monitor the typhoon’s progress and city directives to advise schools on transitioning students to online learning as needed.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment must expedite plans to upgrade irrigation systems for improved drainage, strengthen dikes for flood control and urban development, and collaborate with the Construction Department to address chronic flooding in the Nhue River basin.