Standing side by side with the people of Hai Lang flood area

Hai Phong City Volunteer Group and Hai Lang District Red Cross Association support life jackets for people in the estuary - Photo: MT

Fully aware of the complexity and danger of natural disasters, the Hai Lang District Red Cross Society has always proactively developed a plan to prevent and combat natural disasters scientifically and closely to the reality of each locality. From the beginning of each year, the Society proactively develops a plan to prevent and respond to natural disasters. Guides and directs grassroots associations to develop implementation plans. Directs the Hai Dinh and Hai Khe Commune Red Cross Society to continue implementing the early action program with storms and winds to strengthen participation in implementing natural disaster prevention projects in the locality.

With the support of the Provincial Red Cross Association, the District Red Cross Association coordinated with the Regional Development Program to organize first aid communication on drowning and injuries at Tran Thi Tam High School, Hai Que Primary and Secondary School, Hai Truong Primary and Secondary School with 1,290 students, staff, teachers, youth union members, and Hai Duong commune's shock troops participating.

Coordinated with the Regional Development Program to organize two training and drills on natural disaster prevention in Hai Dinh and Hai Khe communes on storm prevention, first aid for drowning, and evacuation of people to safe locations with more than 250 participants. Coordinated with relevant organizations to implement training courses on disaster preparedness and response skills for shock troops in frequently affected communes such as Hai Phong, Hai Hung, Hai Lam, Hai Chanh, and Hai Son. Training content includes skills on disaster preparedness, response, overcoming consequences, search and rescue, and basic first aid.

The Association regularly organizes training sessions to improve the capacity of staff, members, and volunteers of the Red Cross on first aid skills, emergency response, and action planning in case of natural disasters. In particular, the commune-level rapid response team established by the Association has become the core force in evacuating people, supporting the relocation of assets, and rescuing victims when floods and landslides occur.

In addition, the District Red Cross Society also actively promotes and raises community awareness of natural disaster prevention and control through forms such as loudspeakers, posters, bulletin boards, social networks, etc. Propaganda activities are organized regularly and integrated into community communication programs, contributing to helping people be more proactive in protecting themselves and their property.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan, a resident of Hai Phong commune, said: “When natural disasters occur, the Hai Lang District Red Cross Society is always one of the first forces to arrive at the scene to provide emergency relief and support people to overcome initial difficulties. The Society has effectively mobilized local resources including personnel, vehicles, supplies and logistics. During floods, the Society has quickly deployed activities to support affected people such as providing food, clean water, necessities, organizing safe evacuation points, providing medical support and primary health care.”

In addition, the association also plays a bridging role, coordinating with the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, the Quang Tri Provincial Red Cross Society, and non-governmental organizations to mobilize aid resources. Through programs such as "Cow Bank", "Safe House", "Livelihood Support after Natural Disasters", many households in Hai Son, Hai Duong, Hai Chanh communes, etc. have had the opportunity to stabilize their lives and rebuild after natural disasters.

Chairman of Hai Lang Red Cross Association Nguyen Dang Tinh said: “We do not only stop at emergency relief, we also focus on overcoming the consequences of natural disasters and building safe communities that adapt to climate change. This is considered a strategic, long-term step, demonstrating a high vision and responsibility towards the community.

Many small-scale but highly effective disaster prevention and control projects have been proposed and implemented by the association, such as building toilets, safe water wells, and early warning systems at vulnerable points. In particular, the “Safe School” project implemented in a number of primary and secondary schools has helped thousands of students understand natural disasters, coping skills, and at the same time minimize risks in the school environment.

Along with that, the association has proactively implemented sustainable livelihood support programs such as vocational training, support for trees and seeds, and provision of production tools for households affected by natural disasters. These activities not only help people overcome immediate difficulties but also create a solid foundation for long-term development.

In recognition of the contributions of the Hai Lang District Red Cross Society in the work of natural disaster prevention and control, for many consecutive years the Society has been awarded certificates of merit by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, the People's Committee of Quang Tri Province and international organizations. This is a worthy recognition for the efforts of Red Cross officers, members and volunteers in the district.

Minh Anh

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/sat-canh-voi-nguoi-dan-vung-lu-hai-lang-192971.htm