(MPI) - Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung addressed a group of solution to quickly stabilise life and resume production and business activities, while attending a conference on September 15 to address Typhoon Yagi's aftermath, and support people and enterprises in stabilising life and restoring production and business activities.

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung reports at the conference. Photo: TTXVN

Regarding of the storm’s impacts on socio-economic development, Minister Dung said that so far 353 people had been reported dead and missing, and about 1,900 people were injured, especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups.

The typhoon Yagi has caused serious damage to humans and property. As per a preliminary assessment of the property damage caused by it, the country has lost around 40 trillion dong.

Nearly 257,000 houses, 1,300 schools and infrastructures collapsed and were damaged; 305 dike incidents, large dikes of level III or higher. Over 262,000 thousand ha of rice fields, crops and fruit trees were inundated and devastated; 2,250 aquaculture cages were destroyed and swept away; nearly 2.3 million poultry and cattle died and 310 thousand urban trees were uprooted.

He said that the national and regional growth rates in the remaining months of this year are projected to slow down. The third-quarter GDP could decline by 0.35%, and 0.22% in the fourth quarter, compared to scenarios without typhoon Yagi. Overall, the country’s GDP growth rate for 2024 may decrease by 0.15% compared with the target of 6.8-7%; growth in the agriculture, forestry, and fishery sector is expected to decline by 0.33%, the industrial and construction sector by 0.05%, and service by 0.22%.

Provinces hit hardest by the storm like Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Thai Nguyen and Lao Cai could see the gross regional domestic product (GRDP) down by over 0.5%.

Minister Dung emphasised the importance of immediate and effective response strategies to address Typhoon Yagi's aftermath. Firstly, he highlighted the need for accurate and timely forecasting, urging a proactive approach to develop response solutions that are practical and flexible.

He stressed the importance of organising disaster prevention and response with the motto “4 on-the-spot” and prioritizing “the health and lives of the people above all else”.

Secondly, he called for the enhancement of responsibility and cooperation across all sectors, levels, and regions. Consistent, synchronized leadership and directives from the central to the local level were deemed crucial for swift and decisive action.

Thirdly, the minister underscored the need for further investment to improve emergency response capabilities at all levels, particularly at the grassroots, equipping citizens with necessary skills to handle urgent and unexpected situations.

Fourthly, he advocated for promoting green growth and sustainable development, ensuring a balance between economic development and environmental protection, adapting to climate change. There was a significant push for the advancement of science and technology in forecasting, early warning, and risk assessment of natural disasters like landslides, flash floods, and debris flows.

Fifthly, he pointed out that infrastructure development must integrate disaster risk management considerations. Comprehensive assessment and prediction of geological and hydrological factors are essential to devise timely solutions that safeguard the environment during project implementations.

Lastly, he addressed the importance of communication, urging for objective, honest, and comprehensive reporting on natural disasters. Strict measures against the spread of harmful misinformation are necessary to reassure the public and stabilize societal morale.

He called for fostering national solidarity and resilience, echoing the Vietnamese spirit of mutual support during adversity, encapsulated in the phrase, "the healthy leaf covers the torn one”./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment