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Nearly 100 members of commune-level rapid response forces received training, while almost 500 civil defense personnel, officers, soldiers, and local residents participated in practical drills simulating complex disaster scenarios, including storms, floods, and landslides. The activities were held in response to the 2026 National Week for Disaster Prevention and Control under the theme “Communities Joining Hands in Disaster Prevention and Control,” contributing to greater public awareness and encouraging whole-of-society action in disaster prevention, response, and risk reduction.

In 2025, Gia Lai Province was hit by two severe natural disasters - Typhoon No. 13 (Kalmaegi) and prolonged heavy flooding from November 16-20, which caused serious flooding along major rivers, particularly in the Kon River and Ha Thanh River basins. The disasters inundated more than 57,000 houses, including over 28,000 homes that collapsed or sustained severe damage. Essential infrastructure also suffered extensive destruction. Total economic losses were estimated at more than VND 11.5 trillion (equivalent to US$450,000).

Practical disaster response drill. (Photo: IOM)

Nguyen Van Tien, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA), emphasized the importance of enhancing disaster response capacity within communities, particularly among grassroots disaster response rapid response teams.

He noted that practical drills not only help review, update, and refine disaster response plans and scenarios, but also strengthen the leadership and operational capacity of local authorities, improve coordination among response forces, and enhance disaster preparedness awareness and skills among community members.

Practical disaster response drill. (Photo: IOM)

With support from the project, 28 sets of specialized first aid, rescue, and emergency response equipment worth nearly VND 3.7 billion were donated to rapid response teams in four project provinces to strengthen on-site response capacity. In addition, team members, including commune-level Civil Defense Command Boards and core disaster response forces, received training and practical skills in reinforcing homes against storms and floods, administering first aid, conducting search and rescue operations, and effectively using rescue equipment under emergency conditions. The practical drills also helped improve on-site command capacity, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and facilitate the rapid mobilization of resources when disasters occur.

Delegates pose for a commemorative photo. (Photo: IOM)

Mitsue Pembroke, Project and Partnerships Manager at IOM Vietnam, stated: “As the co-lead of the Shelter and Non-Food Items sector in Vietnam and a member of the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership, IOM remains committed to supporting the Government of Vietnam in advancing disaster risk reduction priorities and strengthening community resilience. Enhancing preparedness capacity among frontline responders and local communities is one of the key factors in protecting people from the increasingly severe impacts of natural disasters and climate change.”

With a total grant of US$1 million from the Government of Japan, IOM Vietnam has not only supported efforts to strengthen search and rescue capacity for 28 local rescue teams, but has also provided essential non-food relief items to more than 30,000 people in Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong provinces, contributing to post-disaster recovery following storms and floods.

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