Building a 'shield' against natural disasters

The historic floods caused by the recent storm No. 11 are a test of the province’s disaster response capacity. The timely deployment of emergency projects not only helps to overcome the consequences but is also an important step towards building a sustainable disaster prevention infrastructure, protecting people’s lives.

Police, Army, Militia and people participate in protecting dike safety.

Elevating forecasting - the key to proactive prevention

The recent historic floods in the province have shown that forecasting and early warning are key factors in minimizing risks. Thai Nguyen has gradually applied digital technology in natural disaster monitoring, with an automatic monitoring system to monitor rainfall, river and dam water levels in real time.

However, in the face of increasingly extreme climate change, the province aims to comprehensively upgrade its forecasting, warning and risk communication infrastructure. The Provincial People's Committee is planning to invest in a hydrometeorological monitoring network, cameras to monitor dams, pumping stations, dykes, and an automatic flood warning system in residential areas.

Data from these devices will be directly connected to the province's Intelligent Operation Center (IOC), helping to make quick and accurate decisions in emergency situations. At the same time, the province focuses on training a team of specialized officers in natural disaster prevention at all levels, especially at the commune level - where response plans are directly implemented.

Staff are equipped with skills in risk assessment, evacuation and rescue planning, and the use of technological equipment in monitoring and warning. Along with that, community risk communication is promoted, helping people raise awareness, know how to protect themselves, and reduce subjectivity when storms occur.

Thai Nguyen Electricity staff fix problems and ensure electricity service for people.

One of the new directions is to build a digital map of natural disaster risks integrated on the province's digital transformation platform, allowing people to look up information on risk areas, evacuation points and safe travel routes with just a few operations on the phone. This will be an important step in modernizing risk management, towards the model of "smart - safe - proactive society".

Resilient Infrastructure - A Vision for Sustainable Development

Mr. Nguyen Van Bac, Deputy Head of the Department of Irrigation and Disaster Prevention (Department of Agriculture and Environment): If timely response is a short-term solution, investing in disaster-resistant infrastructure is a long-term strategic solution.

Thai Nguyen is implementing many key projects to create a solid "shield" for the central and downstream areas, such as the central flood control system of the province, and improving the load-bearing capacity of the dikes.

Along with that, the province focuses on planning flood escape corridors, relocating people from deep flooded areas, and preventing encroachment on river banks - the cause of more severe flooding. The work of protecting and developing upstream forests is considered a fundamental solution, linking afforestation with sustainable livelihoods, aiming for the target of forest coverage in the whole province reaching over 52% by 2030.

Checking infrastructure at Thai Nguyen Telecom, ensuring communication is restored after storms and floods.

In particular, during a recent visit to inspect the flood situation in the province, the Prime Minister directed the urgent construction of a 17km new dike to prevent floods along the Cau River, through the center of the province; at the same time, requested ministries and branches to coordinate to support Thai Nguyen in planning a comprehensive drainage system.

This is a strategic step, creating a legal basis and resources for the province to complete flood prevention infrastructure and adapt to climate change. Recently, the Provincial People's Committee issued Official Dispatch No. 4215/UBND-TH dated October 15, 2025 on organizing the implementation of urgent projects and works to overcome the consequences of natural disasters.

Accordingly, the Provincial Management Board of Investment Projects for Construction of Traffic and Agricultural Works was assigned to preside over the implementation of two key projects: The system of flood prevention works in the central area of ​​the province and the project to build a new Gia Bay bridge under an emergency mechanism, ensuring progress, quality and safety.

The province also needs to diversify investment resources, combining the state budget, ODA capital, public-private partnerships (PPP) and the participation of businesses and people. Simultaneously implementing "engineering" and "non-engineering" solutions - land use planning, forest protection, early warning, community communication - will create a sustainable foundation, minimizing long-term risks.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/thoi-su-thai-nguyen/202510/dung-la-chan-truoc-thien-tai-3e52a63/