The capital has issued a disaster response plan for the final months of 2026, instructing local authorities and relevant agencies to review preparations and minimise potential damage from adverse weather.
Under Official Dispatch No. 60/BCĐ-BNNMT, the National Civil Defence Steering Committee called on 26 localities, including Hanoi, to urgently prepare for cold spells, heavy rain, strong winds at sea and other weather-related hazards.
Weather forecasters warned that a strong cold front could affect northern Vietnam around November 8-9, bringing falling temperatures and cold conditions to mountainous areas, with some locations dropping below 13 degrees Celsius.
Northern localities, including Hanoi, were instructed to protect public health, advise residents on safe heating practices and warn against carbon monoxide poisoning from burning charcoal in enclosed spaces.
Authorities were also told to protect crops and livestock from the cold.
In Hanoi, the municipal People's Committee has approved a disaster response plan for the final months of 2026 under Decision No. 4887/QD-UBND.
The plan provides a framework for departments and local authorities to organise preventive measures, prepare personnel and equipment, and respond to disasters according to their risk levels.
On November 5, the municipal People's Committee also issued Official Dispatch No. 6166/UBND-NNMT to implement the Prime Minister's Directive No. 39/CT-TTg, dated October 30, on disaster preparedness amid El Nino conditions in 2026-2027.
The city assigned the Department of Agriculture and Environment to coordinate with relevant agencies in reviewing and updating disaster response plans, focusing on risks to water supplies, agricultural production and adverse weather conditions.
Local authorities were instructed to monitor developments closely and prepare measures suited to local conditions.
The National Civil Defence Steering Committee also called on localities to regularly monitor weather forecasts and warnings, keep residents informed, maintain emergency duty and promptly report emerging incidents.
In the coming days, Hanoi authorities will focus on monitoring the cold spell, advising residents on health precautions and protecting crops and livestock to minimise agricultural losses as temperatures fall.
