PrimeMinisterPh?mMinhChínhvisitedandencouragedscientistsworkingattheCentralInstituteofHygieneandEpidemiologyandVABIOTECHCompany.—Phototapchiqptd.vnHàN?I—TheGovernmenthasissuedaresolutionoutliningitsactionprogrammetocontinuebuildingandelevatingtheroleoftheintellectualworkforcefornationalrapidandsustainabledevelopmentinthenewera.Thedocumentassignskeytaskstovariousgovernmentofficials,includingministers,headsofministry-levelandGovernmentagencies,chairpersonsofthePeoplesCommitteesofcentrally-runcitiesandprovinces,anddirectorsoftheVi?tNamNationalUniversity-HàN?iandtheVi?tNamNationalUniversity-HCMCity.Theirfocuswillbeonraisingawarenessofthecriticalroleintellectualsplayinnationalprogress;renovatingtrainingandrewardingofintellectuals,withaparticularemphasisontalentretention;fine-tuningexistinglaws,mechanismsandpolicies;increasingresourcestodevelopaproactiveandinternationallyintegratedintellectualcommunity;andinnovatingtheoperationofintellectualassociations.TheMinistryofEducationandTrainingwillworkwithotherministries,agenciesandlocalitiestobuildschemestopropelVi?tNamsleadinguniversitiestotheleveloftopAsianinstitutions.ThisalignswithexistingPolitburoresolutionsaimedatfosteringsocio-economicdevelopmentacrossvariousregions.TheMinistryofScienceandTechnologywillspearheadefforts,incollaborationwithotherministriesandagencies,tobuildinvestmentpoliciesspecificallyforsci-techadvancements,withafocusoncore,foundationalandcutting-edgetechnologies.Additionally,itwillprioritiseinvestmentinbasicandappliedresearchinareaswhereVi?tNamholdsstrengths,aswellasinsocialsciencesandhumanities,politicaltheory,management,educationandtraining,healthcare,culture,andliteratureandarts.Itwasalsotaskedwithdevelopingresearchcentreslinkingwithglobalandregionalinnovationnetworks,makingiteasierforintellectualstoaccesssci-techadvancesfromleadingcountries.—VNS

TheEuropeanAssociationofUrologyonJuly12officiallyestablisheditsfirstrepresentativeofficeinVi?tNamlocatedatHCMCity-basedBìnhDanHospital.—PhotoCourtesyofBìnhDanHospitalHCMCITY—TheEuropeanAssociationofUrology(EAU)onJuly12officiallyestablishedarepresentativeofficeinVi?tNamlocatedatHCMCity-basedBìnhDanHospital.Speakingatthelaunchingevent,T?ngChíTh??ng,directorofthecitysDepartmentofHealth,saidthisisanimportantstepforwardinprofessionalcooperation,helpingdomesticpatientsbenefitfrommoderntechniquesfromtheworld.Thisisanimportantbasisfordevelopingactivitiestoexchangeknowledgeandprofessionalexperience,deployscientificresearch,andpromotespecialisedfieldsofurologywhereVi?tNamhasitsownstrengthsandcharacteristics,hesaid.Thedepartmentwillcreatefavourableconditionsforin-depthtrainingactivities,meetinginternationalstandardsthatareincludedinthehigh-qualityhumanresourcetrainingprogrammeofthecityshealthsector,hesaid.Tr?nV?nhH?ng,directorofBìnhDanHospital,saidthehospitalhasbeenanimportantpartnerofEAUinstandardisingtechniquesandimprovingtheapplicationofadvancesinthefieldofurology-andrologyintreatingpatients.TheopeningoftheEAUrepresentativeofficeaimstoopenupopportunitiesforstrategicandbilateralcooperationintraining,scientificresearch,andclinicalpracticeguidancebasedonthedevelopmentneedsofdoctorsinthecountryandtheregion.Inthecomingtime,thepartieswillenhancecooperation,focusingonthefieldsofgendermedicine,maleinfertilityandmalereproductiveendocrinology.TheeventtookplacewithintheframeworkoftheongoingEAU-ESAUMasterclassonAndrologyheldinHCMCityfromJuly12to14.Thethree-daymasterclassisco-organisedbyEAU,theEAUSectionofAndrologicalUrology(ESAU),theVietnamUrologyandNephrologyAssociation(VUNA),andBìnhDanHospital.Morethan130doctorsinthefieldsofurology-andrology,reproductivesupportandrelatedspecialtiesacrossthecountryareparticipatinginthemasterclass.InthefirstofitskindinVi?tNam,themasterclassbringsanopportunityforthelearnerstoupdatein-depthknowledgeaboutmenshealthandskillsinclinicalpracticetreatmentofmalepathology.ItiscarriedoutbyprofessorsfromEurope(Italy,Germany,Greece,Spain)andAsia(Japan,thePhilippines),alongwithleadingdomesticspeakers.—VNSAuthoritiesinHàGiangProvinceareintensivelysearchingforvictimsoftheseverelandslide.—VNA/VNSPhotoHàN?I—PrimeMinisterPh?mMinhChínhonJuly13urgedeffortstodealwiththeconsequencesofalandslideinthenorthernmountainousprovinceofHàGiangwhichleft11peopleaboardaminibusdead.Inanofficialdispatchsenttorelevantministriesandanumberofnorthernmountainouslocalities,theleaderextendedhisdeepestcondolencestothefamiliesofthevictims,andrequestedpreparednessforrains,floodsandlandslidesinthetimeahead.HeaskedthePeoplesCommitteeofHàGiangtocoordinatewiththeircounterpartsofCaoB?ngandLaiChauprovinces,andotherlocalitiesandagenciestocontinuehandlinglandslideconsequencesandseekingthemissing(ifany),whilesupportingthefamiliesofthedeceased.Thecommitteeneedstoinstructcompetentagenciesintheprovincetodeterminethecausesofthelandslide,andensuretrafficsafety,thePMsaid.HeaskedHàGiang,CaoB?ng,B?cK?n,LàoCai,YênBái,TuyênQuang,S?nLa,?i?nBiên,LaiChau,HòaBình,PhúTh?,TháiNguyênandL?ngS?nprovincestopromptlyidentifylandslide-proneareastoworkoutevacuationandresponseplans.Inthedispatch,theleaderassignedspecifictasksfortheministriesofpublicsecurity,agricultureandruraldevelopment,naturalresourcesandenvironment,transport,construction,industryandtrade,andnationaldefence.Notably,theMinisterofAgricultureandRuralDevelopmentwasurgedtosetupworkinggroupsthatwillcoordinatewithlocalitiesinthisregard.HàGiangsauthoritiesreportedthatataround4amonearlyJuly13,the15-seaterminibuscarrying16peoplewaspassingthroughNationalHighwayNo.34(Km10+900inB?cMêDistrictsYên??nhCommune)whenitencounteredalandslide.Whenthepassengersgotoffthevehicletohelppushitthroughthelandslide,thousandsofcubicmetresoflandfromaboverusheddowntheroad,buryingthevehicleanditspassengers.Theprovincespoliceandmilitaryquicklydeployedhundredsofpersonneltothescenetorescuethevictims.ThelocalDepartmentofHealthalsodeployedmobilemedicalstationsatthescenetotreattheburiedvictimsandtransportthembacktotheprovincialgeneralhospital.Asofthelatestupdate,HàGiangprovincialauthoritieshavebrought15victimsoutofthelandslidearea.Amongthem,11peoplehavedied,and4areinjuredandarereceivingemergencytreatmentatHàGiangProvincialGeneralHospital.TheprovinceofHàGiangisprovidingfinancialsupportofVN?5million(US$196)foreachdeceasedvictimandVN?3million($118)foreachinjuredperson.B?cMêDistrictisalsoprovidingfuneralassistanceofVN?25million($983)foreachdeceasedvictimandVN?5million($196)foreachinjuredperson.Additionally,theCentralCommitteeoftheVietnamRedCrossSocietyisofferingVN?5million($196)foreachdeceasedvictimandVN?2million($78)foreachinjuredperson.Excavatorsaredeployedtoclearthesceneasauthoritiesarestillworkingtorescuethevictims.—VNS

VietnameseMinisterofPublicSecuritySeniorLieutenantGeneralLuongTamQuangspeaksattheground-breakingceremony.—VNA/VNSPhotoVIENTIANE—ConstructionofadrugtreatmentandrehabilitationcentrestartedinVientianeprovinceofLaosonJuly12withthesupportfromtheVietnameseMinistryofPublicSecurity.Onceputintooperation,thecentrecanprovidetreatmentandrehabilitationservicesfor500patientsandworkingconditionsfor70employees.Speakingattheground-breakingceremony,VietnameseMinisterofPublicSecuritySeniorLieutenantGeneralL??ngTamQuangsaidthataftertheAcademyofPoliticsoftheLaoPeoplesPublicSecurity,thecentreisaresultofthespecialsolidarityandclosecooperationbetweenthetwoParties,Statesandpeopleofthetwocountriesingeneral,andbetweenthetwopublicsecurityforcesinparticular.Theworkalsoaimstocelebratethe62ndfoundinganniversaryofdiplomaticrelationsbetweenVi?tNamandLaos(September5,1962-2024),andthe47thanniversaryofthesigningoftheVi?tNam–LaosTreatyofAmityandCooperation(July18,1977-2024).OnbehalfoftheParty,Government,andtheMinistryofPublicSecurityofLaos,DeputyPrimeMinisterandMinisterofPublicSecurityGen.VilayLakhamphongexpressedhissincerethankstotheVietnameseMinistryofPublicSecurityforsupportingLaosinbuildingthecentre.VilaybelievedthatthecentrewillmakeanimportantcontributiontotheimplementationoftheLaonationalprogrammeonsolvingdrugproblemsandhelpingtheLaopublicsecurityforcecompleteitstaskswell,especiallyinthedrugtreatmentandrehabilitation.—VNSAlandslideinHàGiangProvinceonthemorningofJuly13hasburiedavan,killingandinjuringitspassengers.—VNA/VNSPhotoHàGIANG—AFordTransitvanwasburiedbyalandslidewhileonitswayfromHàGiangProvincetoB?oLamDistrictinCaoB?ngProvince,leavingpassengersdeadorinjured.AsofSaturdaynoon,eighthavebeenconfirmeddead,includingachild.Fourpeoplearehospitalised.AccordingtoHàGiangProvince,ataround4amonJuly13,thevehiclecarrying16peoplewaspassingthroughNationalHighwayNo.34(Km10+900,atB?cMêDistrictsYên??nhCommune)whenitencounteredalandslide.Whenthepassengersgotoffthevehicletohelppushitthroughthelandslide,thousandsofcubicmetresoflandfromaboverusheddowntheroad,buryingthevehicleandthepassengers.Theprovincespoliceandmilitaryquicklydeployedhundredsofpersonneltothescenetorescuethevictims.ThelocalDepartmentofHealthalsodeployedmobilemedicalstationsatthescenetotreattheburiedvictimsandtransportthembacktotheprovincialgeneralhospital.Thevictimswerequicklyfoundandhospitalised.—VNA/VNSPhoto?Excavatorsaredeployedtoclearthesceneasauthoritiesarestillworkingtorescuethevictims.Tr?n??cQuy,ViceChairmanofHàGiangPeoplesCommittee,paidavisittofamiliesofthevictimsandthedeceasedtooffersupport.Thelandslidecoveredaround150moftheKm10+950segment,measuringuptoaround15mtalland20mwide.—VNSAviewoftheunder-constructionLongThànhInternationalAirportin??ngNaiProvince.—VNA/VNSPhotoC?ngPhongHCMCITY—TheMinistryofTransportiscollectingopinionsfromagencies,organisations,andlocalitiesonaplanforconnectivitybetweentheexistingTanS?nNh?tInternationalAirportandtheunder-constructionLongThànhInternationalAirport.ThestudyisbeingconductedbytheInstituteofTransportStrategyandDevelopmentundertheMinistryofTransport.AccordingtotheInstitute,theplanforconnectivitybetweenthetwoairportshasnotyetbeendetermined.Theinstitutehasproposedfivecomprehensivetransportationconnectionplans,includingtwoplansforroadconnectionandthreeothersforrailconnection.ItproposeddirectbusroutesandrailservicesviaurbanrailwaylinesNo.6,2,4,andTh?Thiêm-LongThànhRailwaytoconnectTanS?nNh?tandLongThànhinternationalairports.ItalsosuggestedanexpansionofroadandrailwayroutesinaccordancewiththeoperationalphasesofLongThànhInternationalAirport.Earlier,theMinistryofTransportrequestedtheRailwayProjectManagementBoard,theAirportsCorporationofVi?tNamandtheTransportDesignConsultancyCorporation,toensuretheconnectionoftherailwaystationsatLongThànhInternationalAirport.AccordingtotheMinistryofTransport,LongThànhInternationalAirportwillbeconnectedbyaroadsystemandtworailwaylinesincludingtheNorth-Southhigh-speedrailwayrouteandTh?Thiêm-LongThànhrailway.InthefirstphaseofconstructionofLongThànhInternationalAirport,therunwayarea,Terminal1,andconnectingroadsarebeingbuilt.TheNorth-Southhigh-speedrailwayprojectspre-feasibilitystudyreportisbeingcompleted.TheprojectincludesapassengerstationlocatedbetweenTerminals1and2intheairport.Th?Thiêm-LongThànhrailwayprojectspre-feasibilitystudyreportisalsobeingprepared.Theprojecthastwostations,S19andS20,locatedbetweenTerminals3and24intheairport.TheMinistryalsoaskedtheRailwayProjectManagementBoard,theAirportsCorporationofVietnam(ACV),andtheTransportDesignConsultancyCorporation(TEDI)toensuretheconnectionbetweentherailwaystationsandLongThànhInternationalAirport,andtheconstructionofrailwayprojectswillnotaffectthestructureoftheairport.—VNS

PrimeMinisterPh?mMinhChínhvisitstheconstructionsiteinV?Th?yDistrict,H?uGiangProvince.—VNA/VNSPhotoD??ngGiangC?NTH?—PrimeMinisterPh?mMinhChínhonJuly12examinedtheconstructionofanexpresswayfromC?nTh?CitytoCàMauProvinceintheMekongDelta.WorkontheC?nTh?–CàMauExpressway,partoftheeasternwingoftheNorth–SouthExpresswayproject,startedonJanuary1,2023.Theover-110kmroadtraversesC?nTh?andtheprovincesofH?uGiang,B?cLiêu,KiênGiang,andCàMau.InvestedwithoverVN?27.5trillion(nearlyUS$1.1billion)intotal,itconsistsoftwosub-projects,namelyC?nTh?–H?uGiang(37km)andH?uGiang–CàMau(73km).VisitingworkersattheintersectionofIC5Km47+800inV?nhT??ngCommuneofH?uGiangsV?Th?yDistrict,PMChínhappreciatedandaskedtheconstructionforcetocontinueaddressingdifficultiesandworkingaroundtheclocktoensuretheprogress,aswellasquality,laboursafety,andenvironmentalhygieneduringtheprojectimplementation.PMChínhalsovisitedresidentsinV?nhT??ngCommunetolearnabouttheirlivingconditionsafterresettlement.Hethankedlocalpeoplefordonatinglandtotheprojectandcalledonthemtocontinuesupportingtheprojectduringitsimplementationandoperation.Atameetingwithrelevantministries,sectors,localities,theprojectmanagementboard,andcontractors,PMChínhexpressedhisdelightthatafterthreeyearsofimplementation,anexpresswaythroughtheMekongDelta,fromC?nTh?toCàMau,hastakenshape.Vi?tNamexpectstohave3,000kmofexpresswaysbytheendof2025,connectingthenorthernborderprovinceofCaoB?ngwiththesouthernmostprovinceofCàMau.Therefore,expresswayprojects,includingC?nTh?–CàMau,mustbecarriedoutdeterminedly.HeorderedthelocalitiestraversedbytheprojecttospeedupandcompletesiteclearancetohandoverreadygroundtotheconstructorsinJuly.TheGovernmentleaderalsoaskedthemtomobilisetheparticipationoftheentirelocalpoliticalsystem,people,andbusinessessincethisprojectisanationallystrategicworkwhichisimportanttothedevelopmentofthecountry,theregion,andlocalpeoplethemselves.—VNSTheNh?n-HàN?iStationmetroline.—VNA/VNSPhotoHàN?I—Thelong-delayedNh?n-HàN?iStationmetrolineprojecthasreceivedasafetycertificatefromaninternationalconsultant,givingitthepaperworkneededonthewaytobeoperational.Nguy?nBáS?n,DeputyHeadoftheHàN?iMetropolitanRailwayManagementBoard(MRB),toldlocalmediathatonThursday,thesecondmetrolineinHàN?iwasissuedthecertification,meaningitcangoaheadwiththenextproceduresandthetrainscouldstartrunningsoon.ThecertificationwasgrantedbytheApave-BureauVeritas-Certifer(knownasABCConsultant)fromFrance.S?nsaidthatthiswasanimportantlegaldocumentoftheprojectaccordingtoVietnameselawsandinternationalpractices.TheprojecttypicallyneedsCircular15ofMinistryofTransport,beforetheurbanrailwayisopenedforpublicuse,inadditiontothecontractorsandinvestorsconsultationdocumentsandtheprojectmustbeevaluatedandcertifiedforsafetybyaninternationalconsultant.Withthiscertification,anurbanrailwayprojectiseligibletooperate,saidS?n.HeaddedthatcurrentlyanumberofurbanrailwayprojectsinVi?tNam,includingcompletedones,havebeenevaluatedandacceptedbytheABCConsultant,whichoperatesindependently.Infact,someprojectshaveundergoneanentireyearforindependentconsultantstowork,evaluateandrequestadjustmentforsometechnicalissues.WiththeNh?n-HàN?iStationmetrolineproject,theABCConsultantworkedandevaluatedthesystemssafetyinafewmonthstoensureitmettechnicalstandards.Accordingtotheoriginalplan,theABCConsultantwouldhavecompletedthesystemsafetyassessmentbytheendofApril,butitrequiredmoredetailedwork,soittookuntilMay31tocomplete.Theconsultantextendedtheevaluationtimebyonemonth,leadingtoalater-than-plannedconsensusmeetingandcross-assessmentbetweenconsultantstoissueconclusions.Specifically,itwasnotuntilThursdaythattheinvestorreceivedthesafetycertificatefortheelevatedsectionprojectsentbytheABCConsultant.Thisisthereasonwhytheprojectcouldnotoperateitselevatedsectionbeforetheendoflastmonthasexpected,saidS?n.OfficialoperationAfterreceivingsafetycertification,theinvestorwilldothenextstage,readytoopentheelevatedsectionforpublicuse.Theinvestorwillsubmittheentiresystemsafetyassessmentdossieroftheproject,includingthecertificationfromtheABCConsultant,totheVi?tNamRailwayAuthorityforreviewandapproval.AfterthattheStateInspectionCouncilwillbeinvitedtoevaluatetheprojectandapprovetechnicaldocuments.S?nsaidthatthestepsmaytakeafewweeks,orevenlonger,dependingonworkingscheduleoftheagenciestowhichtheinvestorsubmittedtheapplication.Trainsafetyhasbeentestedunder57differentscenarios.Alongwiththat,theinvestorhasprovidedprofessionalguidanceandtrainingfor353employees,readytoreceiveandoperatethetrainsintheelevatedsection,saidS?n.TheNh?n-HàN?iStationmetrolineis12.5kmlong,ofwhichtheNh?n-C?uGi?yelevatedsectionis8.5kmlongandtheC?uGi?y-HàN?iStationundergroundsectionis4kmlong.Theprojectwasstartedin2010.Afterseveralmisseddeadlines,theelevatedsectionisscheduledtoopenforusethisyear.—VNS

VietnameseAmbassadortoAustraliaPh?mHùngTamandAustralianAmbassadorforGenderEqualityStephanieCopusCampbellataworkingsessiononJuly11.VNA/VNSPhotoSYDNEYVi?tNamhasattachedgreatimportancetogenderequalityandhasreapedsignificantprogressinthisregardthankstocollaborationwithothercountries,includingAustralia,VietnameseAmbassadortoAustraliaPh?mHùngTam,toldAustralianAmbassadorforGenderEqualityStephanieCopusCampbellataworkingsessiononJuly11.Tamexpressedhisdelightatcooperationresultsbetweenthetwocountriesinpromotinggenderequality,emphasisingthisremainsafocusofthebilateralties.HealsocongratulatedAustraliancandidateNatashaStottDespojaonherre-electiontotheUNCommitteeontheEliminationofDiscriminationagainstWomen.Theambassadorlaudedthegrowinginterestofbothcountriesingenderaspectsinpriorityagendassuchasclimatechange,andbilateralcooperationareas.Forherpart,CampbellnotedherdeepimpressionsduringherVi?tNamvisitinMay,withsignificantoutcomes,especiallyhermeetingswithrepresentativesofministries,agencies,theprivatesector,andbusinesseswherewomenholdleadershippositions.SheexpressedherdesiretoshareAustraliasexperienceingenderequalitypracticesandinternationalcooperationinthisfieldwithVi?tNam.CampbellbelievedthattheSoutheastAsiannationwillcontinueaffirmingitsroleandmakingsignificantcontributionstomultinational-levelcooperationingenderequality,contributingtoraisingcollectivevoicesonthisissue.Onthisoccasion,thetwoofficialsexchangedviewsonemergingchallengesrelatedtogenderequality.VNS

AcornerofH?LongBayinthenorth-easternprovinceofQu?ngNinh.—VNA/VNSIllustrativePhotoQU?NGNINH—ThePeoplesCommitteeofH?LongCity,Qu?ngNinhProvincehasorderedauthoritiestofocusoninvestigating,clarifyingandrigorouslyhandlingindividuals,engagedinfraudulentactivitiesofrentalaccommodation.ThemovecameafterlocalmediareportedthatonThursday,aVietnamese-Americanwoman,recountinghertravelexperiences,saidshehasbeenscammedwhenbookingaccommodationinH?LongCity.Sheusedtwobookingwebsitesbutthenshecouldnotfindouttheaddressesoftheaccommodation.Consequently,thecitydecidedtomakerandominspectionsontemporaryresidencedeclarationsatvillas,apartmentsandcondominiumswithinitsjurisdiction.Thatwasthecitysdecisiveactionaimingatrectifyingthetourismbusinessenvironment,safeguardingthetourismimageofthecityinparticularandtheprovinceingeneral.ThecitysPoliceDepartmenthascoordinatedwithrelevantunitstoverifyandhandlethecase,reportingoutcomestothePeoplesCommitteebeforenextMonday(July15).ThecommitteehastaskedtheCultureandInformationOfficetowidelydisseminateandpublishinformationonrecognisedlodgingfacilitiesbyStatemanagementauthoritiestoinformresidentsandtouristsfortheirchoicesofservices.Furthermore,thePeoplesCommitteesofwardsandcommunesinthecityweretoldtocontinuereviewingandupdatingcomprehensivelistsofoperatinglodgingfacilities,providingservicestoresidentsandtouristswithintheareas.Previously,onThursday,thelocalmediareportedthataVietnamese-AmericanwomanrecountedhertriptoH?LongCityandwasdefraudedinbookingaccommodationtwice.Sheandherfamilyfirstbookedafour-roomapartmentinthecitythroughtheBookingwebsite,costingUS$260.However,whentheyarrivedinH?LongCityfromHàN?i,theyfailedtofindtheaddress.Theycalledtherentalunitandreceivedanannouncementthattheroomwasoccupied.Theunitsuggestedshechangetoanotherapartmentwithonlytwobedrooms,butshedidnotagree.Then,theunitaskedhertocancelherbookingsherselfontheBookingwebsite,butthiswouldhaveledthewomantoforfeitherdeposit.Next,thewomancontinuedbookanotherapartmentonanotherbookingwebsite,pricedat$176andthesamesituationoccurredagain.—VNSPeoplelivinginpovertyandtheelderlyinBaTriDistrictsB?oTh?nhcommuneintheC?uLong(MekongDelta)provinceofB?nTrehavetheirhealthexaminedduringacharityprogrammeheldbytheVietnamNewsAgencysrepresentativeofficeintheSouthonJuly27.VNA/VNSPhotoHu?nhPhúcH?uHCMCITY—Morethan350peoplelivinginpovertyandtheelderlyintheC?uLong(MekongDelta)provinceofB?nTrereceivedmedicalexaminationsandmedicineinacharityprogrammeheldbytheVietnamNewsAgencysrepresentativeofficeintheSouthonSaturday.Theprogrammewaspartofactivitiestomarkthe77thanniversaryoftheWarInvalidsandMartyrsDay(July27).ThirtydoctorsandnursesfromHCMCity-basedAnBìnhHospitaland??ngáClinicprovidedhealthexaminationsandmedicineforunderprivilegedpeopleandtheelderlyinBaTriDistrictsB?oTh?nhcommune.Theprogrammegaveoutmedicalsuppliestohealthcareestablishmentsinthedistrict,including160bloodglucosemetresandtwooxygenconcentrators.ItalsopresentedgiftsworthVN?1.5million(US$60)eachto30policybeneficiaryfamiliesandninepeoplewithdisabilitiesaswellasscholarshipsworthVN?1million($40)eachto50disadvantagedstudents.ItmobilisedfundingtobuildahouseforapoorfamilyinB?oTh?nhcommuneandequipaprojectorsetatB?oTh?nhsecondaryschool.DisadvantagestudentsinBaTriDistrictsB?oTh?nhcommuneintheC?uLong(MekongDelta)provinceofB?nTrereceivescholarships.VNA/VNSPhotoHu?nhPhúcH?uThecharityprogrammeisaimedatsupportingthepoorandpolicybeneficiariestoovercomedifficultiesandencouragedisadvantagedstudentstopursuetheirstudies,saidPhanV?n??ng,deputydirectoroftheVietnamNewsAgencysrepresentativeofficeintheSouth.ItwillsupportmoredisadvantagedpeopleinotherprovincesintheSouthinthecomingtime,hesaid.—VNS

AseverestormthathitCàMauProvinceonJuly26destroyedseveralhouses.–VNAPhotoCàMAU–AstormthathitUMinhDistrictinCàMauProvinceonFridaydestroyedeighthousesanddamagedtheroofsof13others,causingestimatedlossesofoverVN?1.2billion(US$47,400).ThedistrictPeoplesCommitteequicklydeployedofficialstotheaffectedKhánhTi?nandKhánhHòacommunestovisitlocalsandprovidefinancialassistancetothoseaffectedbythedisaster.TheBorderGuardStationofKhánhTi?nalsosentpersonneltoworkwithlocalauthoritiestohelpcleanupandrebuildhouses.Earlier,onJuly25,inthecoastaldistrictof??mD?i,thereweresixcasesofriverbankerosion.Therewerenocasualties,butitcausedgreatdamagetolocalshousesandseafoodfarms.Erosionfrequentlyoccursinthedistrictduringpeakrainandstormseasons.Intheremainingmonthsofthisyear,10-12stormsandtropicaldepressionsareforecasttooccurovertheEastSea,andhalfofthemcouldhitthemainland.CàMauisfocusingonconstructionworksthatwillhelpprotectlivesandpropertiesfromnaturaldisastersandsearchandrescue,andplanstouseinformationtechnologyforthispurpose.Italsoprotectskeybuildings,monitorsnaturaldisastersclosely,andraisespeoplesawarenessofhowtostaysafe.SincethestartofthisyearCàMauhassufferedpropertydamagewortharoundVN?35.7billionduetonaturaldisasters.Thisincludeshouses,roads,electricitypoles,ricefarms,andothers.–VNSCentralprovincecallsforfundsforunsafehousesAstorm-damagedhouseinamountainousruralareainQu?ngNamProvince.Theprovincehascalledforfundsfrombusinessesandcommunityinrepairingandrebuilding10,400poorlystructuredhousesintheprovince.PhotocourtesyofQu?ngNamPeoplescommitteeQU?NGNAM—Thecentralprovincehascalledforcontributionfromcommunityandbusinessesinrebuildingmorethan10,000poorlystructuredandunsafehousesacrosstheprovincein2024-25.TheprovincialPartysSecretary,L??ngNguy?nMinhTri?tbeganafundraisingcampaignamongdonorstobuildhousesinmountainousruralareasforfamilieswhohavemadeagreatcontributionthecountry,aswellasunderprivilegedhouseholds.HesaiddonorscouldcontributefromVN?50,000(US$2)toVN?100,000($4)totheFund.TheprovincehadagreedtoreserveafundofVN?407billion($16.3million)forrepairingandrebuilding15,735downgradedhousesin2023-25.NamGiangdistrictalonehadraisedadonationof1.7billion($68,000)fromahundredbusinessesandlocalresidentsfortheFundindealingwithunsafehousesin2023-25.ThedistricthadsupportedVN?9.3billion($372,000)tobuildandrepair243houses,ofwhich226werenewly-constructedhousesforpoorfamiliesin2019-22.TheFoundationofDevelopmentandSupportingSustainableLivingCommunity,orS?ngFoundation,hadhelpedcompletetwovillagesintheprovinceQu?ngNamwithfundingfromcommunity,partnersandbusinesses.Theprovincesaidithasofferedlotsofincentivestosupportpeoplewithdowngradedhousesorlivinginlow-lyingorvulnerabletolandslidesandfloodingareasandwillprioritieshelpingethnicgroups,peoplewithdisabilities,theelderlyandlow-incomehouseholds.InthepastQu?ngNamprovince,withsupportfromtheUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme(UNDP),theVi?tNamDisasterManagementAuthority(VNDMA),MinistryofAgricultureandRuralDevelopment,theRepublicofKorea,inpartnershipwiththeVi?tNamRedCrossSociety,hadco-operatedintheDamreyStorm-damagedhousesrecoveryandrehabilitationproject.Theprojecthelpedbuild80resilienthouseswhichhadsuffereddamagefromtyphoons.

VNSillustrationTr?nhL?pAnh??cWhenImovedinwithmyfather,InoticedsomethingoddabouthimIveneverhadthechancetoseebefore.Ataround2am,hewouldsometimesgodownthefloorandcheckuponmeinmyroom.Hewouldpantalot,lookedallsweatyandgruntedangrilyifIstayeduplate.Thiswasformeuncharacteristicofhim-duringthedaytimehewouldbesmilingalldaylong,crackingjokesandspreadingapositivevibetoothers.MotherwouldsaythathessometimesloonyandhadbeeneversincetheymetandIvebeenwonderingwhyforyears,untilIheardhisbackstory.Hehadtriedtotellmethesestories,waybackwhenIwasachild,butwhenIwasyoung,Ifeltindifferenttothem.MyfatherfoughtintheAmericanWar,attheheightofitwhenhewasjust17yearsoldandatoneofthewarsmostfiercestbattles,inthe1972BattleofQu?ngTr?.Hewassenttheretoreinforceaseven-mansquadandafterthewaronlyhimandtwosquadmemberscamehome.ItwasnotuntilrecentlythatIhadachancetobondwithhimmoreandaskedhimquestionsabouthispast.Asamedicalofficerhehadseenitall-thedeathsofhisfriends,thehorrifyinginjuriesandtheatrocitiesofwar-allvividlyretoldtome.Inthefightforfreedomandindependencemanyyoungmenandwomenintheir20s,sacrificedtheirpreciouslives.Someleftapartoftheirbodyatthebattlefield.Andforsomewhoreturnedhomewithalltheirlimbs,likemyfather,theyleftapieceoftheiryoung,carefreesoul.Fatheralwayssaidthatweyoungpeoplearefragilenowadays,that:WhenIwasyourage,Iwasattheborderoflifeanddeath,constantly,daily.Iusedtodisagreewiththisphraseofhis,untilIencounteredatragedylateronthatchangedmyperspectiveforever,whenafriendofminepassedawayduetoanaccident.AsIconnectedallthepiecesofinformation,Istartedtounderstandthatmyfathermighthavebeenstrugglingwithpost-traumaticstressdisorder(PTSD)andforalongtime,aconditionthatmanywarveteransfaced.PTSDandothermentalhealthissuesfacedbyveteransisatopicrarelydiscussedbythepublicandwheneverthephraseinvalidscomeup,manywouldthinkofveteranswhoareamputees,orthosewhosehealthhasbeendamagedbyAgentOrange.VetswhosufferedfrommentalhealthissuesarecalledmentalinvalidsinVi?tNamandareputinmentalhospitals.Forsomementalinvalids,althoughthewarended,theystillhearthesoundofbombsandreplaythememoriesofwar,ofcomradesdyingwhichbringthembackintime.Someshouted,somewouldstandupimmediatelyandsingtheNationalAnthem...andsomewouldwakeupatnightcryingfortheircomradewhopassedaway,describedanurseatTháiBìnhCentreforCaringandNurturingforMentalPatient,inapieceforTháiBìnhTelevision.Accordingtothearticle,mostmentalinvalidscannotevenremembertheiridentity,withonlythememoriesofwar,boththepainfulandvictoriousones.Asamilitaryman,myfathercangettosleepveryquickly,butheneverhasalongslumber.Ireckonthatperhaps,dreamsofhiswartimememorieswakehimupatnightandtakehimbacktothepast.Whenhewokeuptoreality,hewouldrushdownstairs,openthedoortomyroom,andslowlycomestohissenses.Thewarisover,hewenthomeinonepiece,marriedthewomanhelovedandhadtwosons,oneofwhichissleepingsoundlyafteraharddaysworkatVi?tNamNews.Heclosedthedoorsilentlyandwalkedupstairswithasmile,knowingthepastfiftyyearswasnotadream,knowingthatheandhiscomrades,boththosewhoarehereandthosewhohavesacrificedtheirlives,havedoneitall.All,forthechancetoseetheirchildrenandperhapstheirgrandchildren,liveharmoniously.All,forthepriceofpeace.VNSTensofthousandsofsoldiersintheVietnameseVolunteerArmysacrificedtheirlivesfightingtheKhmerRougeregimeinCambodia.Theirremainsstillliescatteredacrossthecountry.Twosearchandrecoveryteams,K70(underMilitaryRegion7)andK71(undertheMilitaryCommandofTayNinhProvince),havetirelesslycombedthroughformerbattlefields,hopingtobringtheremainsoftheseheroeshome.ThreeK70memberscarefullycollectbonefragmentsofafallensoldierfromanexcavationsite.—VNA/VNSPhotoHoàngAnhTu?nFocusingonfiveCambodianprovinces–BanteayMeanchey,OddarMeanchey,SiemReap,KampongCham,andTbongKhmum–oncethehotspotsofthewar,theteamsfacedgruellingconditions.Theyhadtotrekthroughdenseforests,fordrivers,andscalemountainsinthesearchforfallensoldiers.Theyalsoencountereddangersateveryturn,fromunexplodedbombsandlandminestothelingeringeffectsofchemicalwarfare.TheCambodianscorching2023-24dryseason,withtemperaturessoaringintothehigh30s-40sCelsius,addedtotheirhardshipduringtheteamsmissionofsearching,recoveringandrepatriatingremainsofVietnameseservicemenfalleninactionintheCambodianbattlefields(Phase2).However,withcrucialinformationprovidedbyCambodianlocalresidentstheteamshavefoundandrepatriated172setsofremainsofVietnamesewarmartyrsoverthepastfourmonths.TeamK71membersbringtheremainsoffallensoldierstoHill82MartyrsCemeteryinTanBiênDistrict,TayNinhProvince,forburial.—VNA/VNSPhotoGiangChauPh??ngTheconditionswereharsh,saidaTeamK71member.Theheat,theterrain,andtheemotionaltolloffindingremainsoffallensoldiersinsuchastatewereoverwhelming.ButIameternallygratefultothosewhosacrificedtheirlivesforourcause.Nguy?n??cThu?n,TeamK71leader,said:Thesearchandrecoveryofthewarmartyrsisasacredmission;itfeltlikereunitingwithlostfamily.BuildingrapportwithlocalCambodiansisagame-changerforthesearchteams.Byprovidingmedicalaidandhelpingwithcommunityprojects,teamsK70andK71haveearnedtheirtrustandcooperation,leadingtocountlessdiscoveries.AK71teammemberrecalledabreakthroughinasearchsessioninMemotDistrict,KampongChamProvincein2015(inthemissionPhase1).Afterdaysoffruitlessdiggingandfacingdwindlingwatersupplies,theteamsentmembersona10-kilometretrektofindawatersource.Theydiscoveredanelderlymaninjuredbyawildboarontheway.Aftertreatinghiswounds,theystruckupaconversation.Themanshowedhimthelocationofseveralhiddengraves.Guidedbyhim,theteamunearthedeightidentifiablesetsofremainswithinhours.Thisexperienceunderscorestheimportanceofhumanconnectioninidentifyingpotentialgraves.AccordingtoK71,roughly80percentoftheirsuccessfulrecoveriesareduetoinformationprovidedbylocalresidents.Theremainsofthe172soldiersfoundbyK70andK71werereturnedtoVi?tNamviatheXaMátInternationalBorderGateinTanBiênDistrict,TayNinhProvince,onJune28.TheywillbemovedtotheHill82MartyrsCemeteryinTanBiênandlieinstateuntiltheofficialburialceremonyonJuly27--the77thanniversaryofWarMartyrsDay.TheburialceremonyfortheremainsoffallensoldiersfoundinCambodiaattheHill82WarMartyrsCemeteryin2020.—VNA/VNSPhotoV?Ti?nL?cImmediatelyuponreturningtoVi?tNam,bothteamsbeganvehiclemaintenance,enhancingKhmerlanguageproficiency,andimprovingtheirsearchandrecoverycapabilitiestoprepareforthe2024-25campaign.AnotherdedicatedteamisK72,undertheMilitaryCommandofBìnhPh??cProvince.Forovertwodecades,theyvebeenoperatinginKratieandKampongThomprovinces,bringinghometheremainsofmorethan2,800Vietnamesesoldiers.Theteamhascoveredthousandsofkilometres,bravingdenseforests,fast-flowingrivers,andarduousdiggingconditions,withmalariaaconstantthreat.Theharshconditionsoftenleftthemdehydrated,sometimesforcingthemtoresorttodesperatemeasureslikeeatingleavesorpurifyingswampwaterwithalumtoquenchtheirthirst.SergeantNguy?n??ngKi?mofTeamK72describedthegruellingconditionshisteamfaced:Weremainlydiggingbyhandinsomeofthetoughestterrainimaginable,hesaid.Denseforests,steepmountains,andthefast-flowingriversmakesearchingmissingsoldiersincrediblychallenging.Manygravesareunmarked,leavinguswithhesitationtogoon.Despitethehardships,Ki?mfeltdeepsatisfactioninhiswork,sayingthatdiscoveringtheremainsofafallensoldierislikefindingalostfamilymember.Thatpowerfulemotiondrovehimforwardinthefaceofdifficulties.Findingthoseremainsislikeashotofenergy,Ki?msaid.Itremindsuswhywerehereandfuelsourcommitmenttobringingourcomradeshome.PrivateNguy?nV?nLongofK72wasanewcomertothesearchteam.Initiallyunsureofwhattoexpect,hequicklybecamededicatedtotheduty,inspiredbyhisfellowsoldiers.Thisisntjustajob;itsadeeplypersonalmission,Longsaid.Thechallengesareimmense,butourcommitmenttobringingtheremainsofourheroeshomeisunwavering.WiththehelpofCambodianlocals,K72haspinpointed225potentialgravesitesinKratieand63inKampongThom.Lastyear,theybroughthometheremainsof172soldiers.LikeK70andK71,TeamK72membersfoundthatbuildingtieswithCambodianlocalsisessentialtotheirmission.AK72memberrecalledaparticularlychallengingexcavationin2017.UsinginformationprovidedbyaVietnamesewarveteran,theteamidentifiedapotentialgravesiteinOuRuesseiCommune,KratieProvince.However,theconstructionofaschoolatthesitewasnearingcompletion,andtheCambodianbuildingcontractorwasadamantlyopposedtotheteamsexhumingwork.Facedwiththecontractorsrefusal,K72soughthelpfromthedeputymilitarycommanderofKratie.Throughhismediationandpersuasion,thecontractorchangedhismind.Theyfinallyreachedacompromise:theteamcouldexcavatebutonlyatnight.Equippedwithlightsandexcavationequipment,K72beganthepainstakingtask.Workingundertheconstraintsofnighttime,limitedspace,andthepressuretopreservethebuilding,theexcavationwasincrediblychallenging.TeamK72memberssearchfortheremainsoffallensoldiersunderthefoundationofaschoolunderconstructioninCambodiain2017.—VNA/VNSPhotoHoàngAnhTu?nTheteamhadtobemeticulous,carefullyremovingsoilandhandlingtheremainswithutmostcare.Manyoftheremainswereseverelydecomposed,makingidentificationdifficult.Tomakemattersworse,someremainsfoundbeneaththebuildingwereincompleteduetoconstructiondamage.Despitethedifficulties,K72recoveredremainsof64fallensoldiersin28gruellingdays.Theremainsof130otherfallensoldierswerereturnedtoVi?tNamonJuly18.BroughtbackbyTeamK73,undertheMilitaryCommandofLongAnProvince,thewarmartyrswillbelaidtorestintheirhomeland.Sinceitsformationin2001,theteamhasrecoveredmorethan2,500setsofremainsanduncoveredsixmassgraves,buryingabout280soldiers.Oneoftheteamsfoundingmembers,??Qu?cTi?n,recalledaparticularlyheartbreakingmoment.AmothersanguishedcriesechoedthroughtheCambodianforestasshesearchedalongsidetheteamforherson.In2005,determinedtofindhisremains,Nguy?nV?nC?smothertravelledfromB?nC?uDistrict,TayNinhProvince,toCambodia.Guidedbyveterans,shejoinedtheteamintheremoteThmeiHamlet,ChreyThumCommune,RomeasHaekDistrict,SvayRiengProvince.Afterdaysoffruitlesssearching,theheartbrokenwomancriedoutforhersonssoultoreturnhome.Heranguishinspiredtheteamtoredoubletheirefforts.Theymeticulouslysearchedtheentirevillagedayandnight,leavingnostoneunturned.TheirperseverancepaidoffwhentheyfinallydiscoveredC?sremainsandreturnedthemtohisfamilyin2010.Overwhelmedwithemotion,themotherembracedthecoffin,hergriefpalpable.SheexpressedgratitudetotheteamforreunitingherwithhersonandsaidshecouldfinallyfindpeaceknowinghisremainswereonVietnamesesoil.Inafinalwish,sheaskedtobeburiedbesideherson,expressingherenduringloveandlonging.Ti?nalsomentionedawoman,Nguy?nTh?ChinhinH?iPhòngCity,whohadsearchedforhermissinghusbandfordecadestonoavail.Herlifechangedoneeveningwhilewatchingtelevision.AdocumentaryaboutTeamK73ignitedasparkofhope.DeterminedtofindherhusbandNguy?nNg?cChan,Chinhtravelledtothesouthtojointhesearch.Itwouldbeagruellingjourney,spanningthreeharshyearsbeforeshewouldfinallydiscoverhisremainsburiedinCambodiansoil.LongAnsPartyCommitteeSecretaryNguy?nV?n???cperformstheburialceremonyfortheremainsoffallensoldiersfoundbyK73attheV?nhH?ng-TanH?ngWarMartyrsCemeteryinV?nhH?ngDistrict,LongAnProvince,in2022.—VNA/VNSPhotoBùiNh?Tr??ngGiangIdentifyingremainsoffallensoldiersafterdecadesundergroundisanimmensechallenge.Asaresult,thevastmajority-around90percent-ofthoserecoveredbyK73remainunidentified.Afewluckybreakshaveledtoidentifications.Somenameswerefoundinpenicillinvialsattachedtothesoldiers,suchasthecaseofNguy?n??cXayandNguy?nBáQuy.Othercluesalsocamefrompersonalitemslikeasnakebiteremedybottlemarkedwithadateorawaterbottleengravedwiththesoldiersname.DNAtechnologyhasrevolutionisedtheidentificationofunnamedfallensoldiersinrecentyears.Forexample,between2017and2018,TayNinhProvincesuccessfullyidentified65soldiersthroughDNAtestingofthe660setsofremains.AtechnicianattheInstituteofBiotechnologyextractsDNAfromabonesampletoidentifyanunknownsoldier.—VNA/VNSPhotoNguy?nAnhTu?nIn2010and2011,anationwidetrendemergedoffamilieshiringpsychicmediumstolocatethegravesoffallensoldiers.Manyfamiliesspentbigsumsofmoneyhiringthosepeopleonsearchtripsacrossthecountry,evenasfarasCambodia.Unfortunately,theinformationprovidedbypsychicmediumsprovedtobealmostentirelyunreliable.TeamK71analysed200DNAsamplesfrombonesexhumedbasedonpsychictips,butonlyonewasconfirmedofhuman.Thoughthewarendeddecadesago,itsscarsremain.ThousandsofVietnamesevolunteersoldierswhosacrificedtheirlivesinCambodiaareyettoreturnhome.Drivenbytheenduringhopeofgrievingfamilies,searchteamscontinuetheirsacredmissiontobringthesefallenheroesbacktotheirhomeland.VNS