On April 21st, information from the People's Committee of Lao Cai province indicated that Vice Chairman Phan Trung Ba had issued Directive No. 7, requiring all levels and sectors to enhance their capacity for disaster prevention and search and rescue, proactively responding early to minimize damage to people and property.
Accordingly, from the beginning of 2026 to the present, the province has recorded several periods of heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms causing significant consequences.
Large plum orchards in Bac Ha commune, Lao Cai province, were damaged by hailstorms.
Natural disasters injured 14 people, damaged thousands of houses, and affected over 200 hectares of crops, with total estimated losses of approximately 60 billion VND.
According to meteorological forecasts, extreme weather in 2026 and subsequent years will continue to be complex and unpredictable, with an increased risk of dangerous weather phenomena such as severe cold, frost, heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, flooding, heatwaves, and droughts.
In light of this situation, the People's Committee of Lao Cai province has requested that all departments, agencies, and localities strictly adhere to legal regulations and directives from the central and provincial governments regarding disaster prevention, response, and mitigation.
This work is identified as a key and ongoing task, implemented with a focus on prevention, combining the "four on-the-spot" approach, and proactively responding from an early stage, from afar, and at the grassroots level..
The storm caused large trees to fall.
Local authorities must urgently summarize and evaluate disaster prevention and search and rescue work, identifying shortcomings and their causes for timely rectification. This task must be completed by May 2026 and reported to the Provincial Civil Defense Command.
Simultaneously, the strengthening of forces and the clear assignment of responsibilities to each agency and unit are crucial, ensuring "clear responsibilities, clear tasks, and clear points of contact."
High-risk areas such as riverside and stream areas, low-lying areas, and areas at risk of landslides and flash floods, along with reservoirs, dams, and essential infrastructure, must have their response plans reviewed and updated to avoid being caught off guard..
Forces are working to mitigate the damage caused by the storm.
The province also requested the full preparation of personnel, equipment, and supplies; maintaining a duty roster and command post; and enhancing coordination among forces to be ready to promptly handle any emerging situations.
Local authorities must review and update their 2026 disaster prevention and control plans according to risk levels; proactively develop plans for evacuating people from dangerous areas; inspect and address vulnerable points; and simultaneously strengthen communication and training on response skills for the people.