Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment works with Quảng Ngãi on Storm No.13 response and reservoir operations

QUẢNG NGÃI — Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyễn Hoàng Hiệp on Tuesday morning (November 5) held a working session with Quảng Ngãi Province to discuss the response to Storm No.13 and the operation of local irrigation reservoirs.

At the meeting, Deputy Minister Hiệp stressed that Storm No.13 is a powerful and fast-moving storm with complicated developments, warning that local authorities must not be complacent in disaster preparedness and response.

He urged Quảng Ngãi leaders to proactively assign on-duty forces and be ready to assist residents in high-risk areas, particularly coastal regions, downstream of reservoirs, and landslide-prone zones.

He also advised local people to ensure sufficient communication tools and keep their phones fully charged to stay in contact with authorities in case of emergencies.

The Deputy Minister requested localities, agencies, and schools to promptly reinforce houses, offices, and classrooms, protect property and equipment, and ensure safety before the storm makes landfall.

Regarding the operation of irrigation reservoirs, Hiệp noted that current management still has shortcomings and called for a comprehensive review and adjustment of operating procedures to better fit actual conditions.

He emphasized the need for long-term, sustainable solutions to improve the efficiency and safety of reservoir operation in the province.

Hiệp also suggested that Quảng Ngãi re-evaluate small hydropower planning, limit the development of new small-scale hydropower projects, and instead focus on expanding and upgrading irrigation reservoirs.

He asked the province to review the existing weir system, consider converting suitable ones into reservoirs, and study ways to increase storage capacity in current reservoirs to align with long-term irrigation and water safety planning.

M.H