As 2026 began, even before the onset of the rainy season, natural disasters had already shown increasingly complex developments. During the first quarter alone, Điện Biên province experienced three natural disaster events affecting the communes of Tủa Thàng, Pú Nhung, Si Pa Phìn, and Na Sang, among others. These incidents injured two people and caused damage to the roofs of 84 houses and school buildings, with estimated property losses of approximately VND 301 million. These developments demonstrate that natural disaster risks remain an ever-present threat, requiring timely and decisive response measures.

In this context, relocating residents out of hazardous areas should not be viewed merely as a temporary solution but rather as a long term strategic priority. Experience has shown that following the flash floods of 2025, hundreds of households in the communes of Xa Dung, Tìa Dình, Mường Luân, and Na Son were successfully resettled in safer locations. This stands as clear evidence of the effectiveness of timely and appropriate policies.

However, significant challenges remain. Across Điện Biên province, approximately 800 households are still living in areas classified as highly vulnerable to landslides, primarily in mountainous communes such as Na Son, Mường Luân, Thanh Nưa, Quảng Lâm, Mường Lạn, Mường Chà, Núa Ngam, Mường Pồn, and Sáng Nhè. These areas are characterized by complex terrain and are frequently affected by heavy rains and slope failures. Without timely relocation, the risk to human safety remains substantial.

The most pressing challenge is the limited availability of safe resettlement land. Many proposed relocation sites still lack essential infrastructure, including roads, electricity, water supply systems, schools, and healthcare facilities. According to estimates, approximately VND 775 billion will be required to develop infrastructure and stabilize livelihoods for the roughly 800 households that urgently need relocation. This represents a considerable financial burden for a mountainous province that continues to face economic challenges.

Nevertheless, difficulties must not become an excuse for delay. The People’s Committee of Điện Biên province has proactively developed a Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Plan for the 2026-2030 period, identifying the protection of lives and property as its central objective. This commitment must now be translated into even more decisive action at all levels of government.

First, priority should be given to mobilizing resources and accelerating the implementation of resettlement projects. Relocation efforts should follow a clear order of priority, focusing first on households living in particularly vulnerable locations, including flood-prone zones and areas facing severe landslide risks. At the same time, diverse funding sources should be mobilized, and national target programs should be integrated to ensure synchronized infrastructure development at resettlement sites. Only when residents have secure housing can they establish stable livelihoods.

At the grassroots level, commune authorities play a crucial role. Disaster response plans must be closely aligned with local conditions and strictly adhere to the principle of “four on-the-spot resources” (local command, local forces, local supplies, and local logistics). Emergency response teams should maintain 24/7 operations during the rainy season; evacuation sites must be prepared in advance; and rapid response forces should be regularly trained and strengthened. These measures constitute the first line of defense for protecting communities when disasters occur.

In addition, public awareness and community preparedness cannot be overlooked. Residents need to be equipped with knowledge and skills for disaster prevention, encouraged to monitor warning systems, and prepared to evacuate promptly when requested. Experience shows that communities with higher levels of awareness and preparedness consistently experience lower casualty rates.

Ensuring the safety of residents in landslide-prone areas is not solely the responsibility of any single sector or level of government. It is a shared responsibility of the entire political system and society as a whole. Every sound policy decision and every timely action taken today can help prevent losses tomorrow.

While natural disasters cannot be prevented, their impacts can be significantly reduced through early, decisive, and coordinated action. Relocating residents from dangerous areas, investing in safe infrastructure, and strengthening disaster preparedness are not only immediate solutions but also essential foundations for the sustainable development of Điện Biên province in the future.