Given the complex developments in extreme weather, particularly the increasing frequency of flash floods and landslides during the rainy season, localities have proactively taken measures to relocate people and property from dangerous areas. To ensure the safety of residents, in early May, the authorities and armed forces in Tủa Chùa district coordinated with the local government of Tả Sìn Thàng commune to support the relocation of 20 households from the Háng Khúa residential area, Páo Tỉnh Làng 2 hamlet, to safer zones where there is a risk of flash floods, landslides, and mudslides.

Trần Thanh Bình, Deputy Head of the provincial Sub-department of Agriculture and Environment in Tủa Chùa district, said: “Relocating people and property from dangerous areas is an urgent task. Therefore, we advised the district People’s Committee on the quickest ways to move residents to safe areas, ensuring their safety and stabilizing their livelihoods. For areas with high risks, such as the Háng Khúa residential area, we conducted surveys and moved people before the rainy season. With the support of the district’s armed forces, we have successfully relocated the homes and property of 20 households from areas highly susceptible to flash floods, landslides, and mudslides, ensuring a stable and safe life for residents.”

In 2025, it is forecasted that the weather will continue to be unpredictable, directly impacting people’s lives and production. In response, the provincial government has instructed relevant departments and localities to strengthen disaster prevention efforts, including focusing on communication, raising public awareness, and issuing early warnings about dangerous weather events. Authorities are urgently reviewing and reinforcing dikes, irrigation infrastructure, and strengthening vulnerable transportation routes, as well as inspecting areas with high risks of flash floods and landslides to implement timely measures. For reservoirs and hydropower plants, the province has also instructed to ensure proper operation, maintain minimum flow, and plan proper flood discharge to protect downstream areas. Rescue and relief forces, including the military and police, must be ready to respond, ensuring sufficient manpower, equipment, and supplies in case of emergencies, with particular attention to evacuating people from high-risk areas, especially those prone to landslides and flash floods.

Nguyễn Trọng Huế, Head of the Sub-department of Agriculture and Environment in Điện Biên Đông district, said: “Given the forecast for a complex rainy season this year, the unit has proactively advised the district People’s Committee to implement various disaster prevention measures. The district Steering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue has directed communes and towns to build response plans based on the “4-on-the-spot” principle (on-site command, on-site forces, on-site resources, and on-site logistics). Localities have also been instructed to strengthen and reorganize their Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue Committees, ensuring sufficient supplies and manpower to respond to disasters when they occur.”

In addition to implementing measures to ensure the safety of people during the rainy season, with supplementary funding from the Government, Điện Biên province has implemented a project to relocate residents and protect infrastructure in disaster-prone areas. The provincial government has approved investment in several key projects aimed at mitigating the consequences of natural disasters and preventing landslides in multiple districts.

Specifically, in Điện Biên Đông district, projects include the construction of protective embankments for Suối Lư I, II, and III hamlets (Keo Lôm commune), and an embankment to prevent landslides at the central area of Tìa Dình commune, with a total investment of VND 33 billion. These projects, which feature concrete structures, will help protect over 280 households, 1,300 residents, and important public facilities. In Điện Biên district, the province is also implementing a project to regulate the flow from Mường Pồn 1 and 2 hamlets to Tin Tốc hamlet (Mường Pồn commune) with a total capital of VND 83.5 billion, covering a length of about 7km. This project aims to protect agricultural land, houses, and stabilize the river flow for 90 households.

In Nậm Pồ district, VND 17 billion has been invested to relocate residents in disaster-prone areas such as Phìn Hồ hamlet, including works such as land leveling, building classrooms, constructing roads, and providing electricity and water for daily use. Two anti-landslide and road repair projects in Tỏa Tình and Mường Khong communes (Tuần Giáo district) have also been implemented with a total length of nearly 3.2km, ensuring traffic safety and adapting to climate change.

Implementing these projects to relocate residents and protect infrastructure in disaster-prone areas is a long-term solution. In the short term, localities must proactively prepare necessary equipment for flood and storm prevention and closely monitor weather patterns, especially in areas at high risk of flash floods and landslides. Authorities must develop preventive plans and issue timely warnings to ensure safe evacuations. In addition to government efforts, each citizen must stay informed about weather and hydrological updates through public media to develop appropriate responses and ensure their safety and property during the rainy season.