Đà Nẵng, foreign forces, practice disaster relief

Military and rescue force collect oil spill on the Hàn River in a practice. — VNS Photo Công Thành

The exercise was part of a series of activities under the Pacific Partnership 2017 (PP17) with the participation of personnel from the US, UK, Australia, Japan and Việt Nam in the central city this year.

Nearly 20 speed boats and detoxification equipment and fire trucks were called to deal with the “oil spill” within three hours.

Vice chairman of the city’s People’s Committee, Hồ Kỳ Minh, said it was a good opportunity for Đà Nẵng to join in disaster response with partners from the US Navy and the Pacific Partnership

Minh said the exercise could serve as valuable experience for Đà Nẵng in dealing with natural disasters in the future.

He said the city witnessed nine oil spill incidents since 2007, and the worst tragedy was 600cu.m of oil spilled from a tanker in the sea in 2008.

Also throughout last week, PP17 started construction of storm-resistant houses in Hòa Nhơn commune of Hòa Vang District, and renovation of the Hòa Liên 2 kindergarten, Hòa Hải Medical Clinic, and Hòa Nhơn Community Centre. The PP17 staff also conducted workshops on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief at the city’s general hospital and military hospital. A Seventh Fleet band had several performances at the East Sea Park, and Phan Châu Trinh High School.

The annual Pacific Partnership exercise in Đà Nẵng ends on May 18 before continuing to Khánh Hòa Province.

In 2015, Đà Nẵng also hosted the Pacific Partnership 2015. — VNS