Proactivity from the grassroots

Mường Mùn commune conducted a review of residential areas vulnerable to natural disasters categorized by risk levels. Through the review, 21 households in Huổi Lốt village were identified as residing in areas facing high risks of landslides and flash floods.

Trần Trung Kiên, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Mường Mùn commune, stated that although disasters have not yet struck this specific area, land cracking and sliding phenomena have appeared around where these 21 households reside. The households live alongside stream beds, presenting potential dangers of torrential and flash floods during prolonged heavy downpours. Based on practical evaluations, the commune drafted a plan to relocate these 21 households to a new site covering approximately 2 hectares, located 1 kilometer away from their former residences.

Proactively reviewing hazards and drafting relocation plans before disaster strikes is one of the key solutions to effectively executing the “four on-the-spot” principle. Authorities of Mường Mùn commune regularly inspect the site and monitor local livelihoods, while disseminating information to help residents clearly understand risks where they live.

Lò Văn Chơ from Huổi Lốt village, Mường Mùn commune, one of the 21 households in the landslide hazard zone, shared that recently, commune cadres have visited frequently to inspect conditions, grasp the situation, and mobilize residents to proactively prevent disasters. Through this, his family gained a clearer understanding of landslide and flash flood risks and decided to cooperate fully when official relocation plans to a safer place are executed.

In Nậm Nèn commune, proactive disaster response efforts have been accelerated across high-risk zones, such as the villages of Nậm Nèn 1, Nậm Nèn 2, Nậm Cút, Háng Trở, Huổi Mí 1, and Huổi Mí 2, along with the construction area of Nậm Mức 2 Hydropower Plant.

Đặng Anh Tuấn, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Nậm Nèn commune, stated that the commune promptly deployed response measures under the “four on-the-spot” principle. Accordingly, Nậm Nèn set up working teams to inspect the field, instructed villages to issue warnings, erected signs, posted personnel on duty at hazardous locations, and mobilized vulnerable households to move to safety. The commune coordinated with road management agencies to inspect and clear landslide spots, securing temporary traffic flow, while directing specialized offices to continue reviewing, updating local conditions, and monitoring rainfall and flood developments to remain ready for any emerging situations.

From early hazard identification to deploying personnel and equipment right at the grassroots level, the “four on-the-spot” principle has been concretized through practical assignments. Grassroots initiative alongside public compliance serves as a crucial factor enabling timely preventive measures.ư

Ensuring early and distant safety

In July 2026, Điện Biên was impacted by the post-typhoon circulation of Typhoon No.1 combined with a low-pressure trough crossing the northern mountainous region and wind convergence up to 5,000 meters, triggering multiple rounds of moderate to exceptionally heavy widespread rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, whirlwinds, lightning, localized flooding, flash floods, and landslides. Disasters occurred in two main phases, from July 1 to July 13 and July 15 to July 31, affecting 39 out of 45 communes and wards across the province. Facing complex weather developments, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, as the standing agency for natural disaster prevention and control, proactively monitored weather conditions, updated forecasts and warnings, promptly advised the provincial People’s Committee, and guided localities in deploying response solutions. In particular, 24/7 disaster prevention duty was strictly maintained, regularly transmitting forecasts and alerts to commune and ward people’s committees and relevant agencies.

At the grassroots level, civil defense command boards, police, military forces, militia, shock teams, and mass organizations were mobilized to inspect sites and execute response plans. Personnel, vehicles, machinery, and supplies were mobilized to clear landslides, unblock waterways, ensure initial traffic flow, and support residents in moving people and properties out of dangerous zones. Nà Tấu commune mobilized 23 police officers and soldiers, 28 military personnel, and over 100 residents for disaster response. Tủa Chùa mobilized more than 80 officers, soldiers, militia, and village security forces, while Si Pa Phìn mobilized 40 personnel to secure traffic routes. For zones facing flash flood and landslide hazards, local authorities proactively cordoned off areas, erected warning signs, set up safety perimeters, and deployed standby forces to guide and manage people and vehicles, while mobilizing residents to evacuate to safe places during heavy rain alerts.

Nguyễn Văn Tới, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated that thanks to the proactive “four on-the-spot” approach, localities across the province have relocated over 60 households from high-risk landslide and flash flood zones to safety. Localities actively inspected irrigation works, dams, reservoirs, and domestic water supply systems, reviewed agricultural production, and mobilized forces for temporary repairs on damaged infrastructure. Information and communication work was maintained via grassroots public address systems, social networks, and shock forces, helping people stay updated with warnings and disaster prevention skills.

Practical experience demonstrates that the effectiveness of the “four on-the-spot” principle lies not only in mobilizing forces when incidents arise, but more importantly in proactive early and distant prevention. When risks are identified promptly, alerts delivered swiftly, and forces alongside equipment prepared at the grassroots level, localities have stronger foundations to protect residents against increasingly unpredictable natural disasters.