OFFICIAL PORTAL
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
HANOI (VIETNAM NEWS/ANN): Hanoi authorities are under significant pressure to improve air quality, particularly as the city rotates in and out of the top global ranking for air pollution levels, depending on routine measurements of the local environment.
In early January 2025, the air quality index (AQI) in Hanoi indicated severe air pollution, consistently reaching harmful levels, with peaks exceeding 400.
The dense dust fog not only hampers traffic but also exacerbates health issues for residents.On January 7, at about 8 am, air quality monitoring applications ranked Hanoi as the most polluted city in the world, with an AQI of 272, indicating a hazasdous level for human health.
In middle of this month, the AQI in West Lake area topped the pollution charts, with specific readings like To Ngoc Van at 416, Ciputra at 408, Quang Khanh at 372, and Quang Ba at 320.
These are all pollution levels classified as "maroon," which means hazardous to human health. Other areas reported purple AQI levels – very unhealth level - such as Tu Hoa (Tay Ho district) at 256, Le Duan (Hoan Kiem district) at 256, Lo Duc (Hai Ba Trung district) at 270, and Tran Hung Dao (Hoan Kiem district) at 233.
According to data from VN AIR of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and moitruongthudo.vn of the Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment, air quality in the capital frequently falls into unhealthy and harmful to sensitive residents, especially from September to March of 2023.
Statistics indicated that during peak pollution periods, the AQI often fluctuates around 200, far exceeding safe levels and posing serious health risks.
The daily and annual average concentrations of particulate matter (PM) 10 and PM2.5 dust in Hanoi exceed the recommended levels by the World Health Organisation.
Local pollution levels of NO2 and O3 have also been recorded.
Fine dust pollution is noted in almost all districts, especially in densely populated urban areas with heavy traffic.Health experts warned that air pollution in Hanoi is not only a short-term threat but also poses long-term risks to public health.
Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 fine dust can lead to severe health issues such as pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, and lung cancer. Additionally, fine dust can impair cardiovascular function, increasing the risk of stroke and vascular diseases.
Moreover, air pollution affects labour productivity and the quality of life of residents. Outdoor activities are restricted, and traffic is challenging due to reduced visibility.
Furthermore, respiratory-related illnesses increase healthcare costs, creating a financial burden for individuals and society.
Challenges in urbanisation
Hanoi is one of the most populous and rapidly developing cities in Vietnam, with over 8 million residents and millions of vehicles on the road daily.
Among these, transport is the largest source of fine dust emissions, accounting for 50-70% of total PM2.5 emissions. Old vehicles that do not meet emission standards are still commonly used, increasing toxic emissions.
Additionally, the city faces emissions from more than 17 industrial zones, around 1,300 craft villages, and spontaneous waste burning in suburban areas.
The consumption of fossil fuels, such as gasoline and coal, along with the use of traditional coal stoves and burning agricultural by-products, also contributes to the rising levels of air pollution.
Nguyen Minh Tan, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said that the lack of coordinated urban planning and insufficient environmental protection measures during infrastructure development, as well as uncontrolled construction activities, are significant sources of fine dust that severely affect air quality in urban areas.
Although Hanoi has begun to inventory emission sources, the slow implementation of solutions has resulted in persistent high pollution levels.
Key solutions
Integrated solutions, such as controlling emission sources, developing green transport, establishing low-emission zones, and raising community awareness, are crucial steps to improve air quality, according to experts.
According to the Air Quality Management Plan until 2030, Hanoi aims to reduce total PM2.5 emissions by 20% compared to 2019, equivalent to a reduction of 6,200 tonnes of fine dust. One of the key solutions is to implement an automatic monitoring system to track and supervise air quality.
Data from this system will help authorities identify the root causes of pollution and develop effective mitigation measures.
Nguyen Trong Dong, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, said that the city requires a complete resolution of straw and waste burning in suburban areas, while also enhancing traffic management by rerouting and regulating traffic at congestion points.
The implementation of low-emission zones (LEZ) starting in 2025 is considered a breakthrough step to limit the circulation of non-compliant vehicles in urban areas.
Furthermore, the city is researching and seeking input to refine policies supporting clean energy buses, expanding the elevated railway system, and developing modern public transport projects.Developing green transport is a long-term solution to address air pollution, Dong emphasised.
The city's goal is to limit motorcycle usage in urban districts by 2030 and eventually eliminate old motorcycles that do not meet emission standards.
The use of fossil fuel vehicles, especially diesel cars, will also be restricted in central areas.Additionally, Hanoi is calling for investment in public transport projects such as BRT systems, monorails, and urban railways. Developing public transport will not only reduce emissions but also significantly improve air quality, creating a sustainable transport ecosystem. - Vietnam News/ANN
INDONESIA: Darurat bencana diisytiharkan di Mamuju, Sulawesi Barat susulan kejadian tanah runtuh yang mengorbankan empat nyawa termasuk seorang bayi perempuan berusia sebulan.
“Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah (BPBD) Wilayah Sulbar dengan kerjasama BPBD Mamuju dan Polis Sulbar telah bergerak ke lokasi kejadian tanah runtuh untuk memberikan bantuan menangani bencana,” kata Pemangku Gabenor Sulbar, Bahtiar Baharuddin di Mamuju, Isnin.
Beliau turut menyampaikan rasa dukacita di atas tragedi yang mengorbankan empat nyawa, mencederakan empat orang lain dan menyebabkan dua rumah penduduk tertimbus di Lingkungan Tamasapi, Mamunyu, Mamuju
Kerajaan Wilayah Sulbar telah menetapkan darurat dan segera melaksanakan langkah-langkah menangani bencana termasuk menyiapkan bantuan logistik bagi penduduk yang terjejas dengan berkoordinasi bersama pihak berkuasa tempatan Mamuju.
“Jentera berat akan segera dihantar ke lokasi untuk membersihkan tanah runtuh dan pokok tumbang yang menghalang laluan, serta membantu penduduk mengalihkan timbunan tanah dari rumah mereka, agar penduduk tidak terpinggir dan dapat kembali menjalani aktiviti harian,” katanya.
Beliau juga mengingatkan masyarakat agar sentiasa berwaspada kerana seluruh wilayah Sulawesi Barat adalah kawasan berisiko tinggi bencana, terutamanya tanah runtuh, lebih-lebih lagi musim hujan telah bermula.
Bencana tanah runtuh di Lingkungan Tamasapi berlaku pada 26 Januari 2025, pukul 23.15 WITA, pada malam Ahad.
Kejadian berpunca daripada hujan lebat selama hampir lapan jam, bermula pukul 15.30 WITA (26/1). – ANTARANEWS
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Civil-Military Coordination (CIMIC) Platoon of the Second Battalion Royal Brunei Land Forces (2Bn RBLF) was deployed to assist residents affected by the recent flooding in the Tutong District, in collaboration with the Tutong District Disaster Management Centre (DDMC).
A team of 19 personnel from 2Bn RBLF were deployed to provide transportation support to local residents, using four-tonne truck vehicles to navigate the flooded areas from the four-way intersection at Jalan Panchong to T-junction Kampong Kuala Ungar, Tutong District.
The deployment began on Saturday afternoon, focusing on relocating residents stranded due to the flooded roads and ensuring their safe passage to their destinations.
The several days of downpour resulted in floods in low-lying areas, rendering several residential areas and main roads inaccessible. The RBLF remains committed and always prepared to provide disaster relief efforts to the public in all four districts.
“The RBLF will also continue to collaborate with the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) and other agencies to uphold a whole-of-nation approach to disaster response,” it said in a statement. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
KUCHING (Jan 28): The Sarawak CSO-SDG Alliance and its partners recently provided food aid to 89 flood victims at Rumah Panjai Ason Tembawai Kapok, Ulu Awik in Saratok.
In a press statement, the alliance—a coalition of civil society organisations committed to sustainable development—said it had mobilised resources alongside Hope Place Kuching, Rise Against Hunger Malaysia, Malaysian Red Crescent Stampin Chapter, Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak and Delphi Marketing Sdn Bhd.
It explained that this collaborative initiative highlights the alliance’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through localised partnerships and sustainable solutions, which aims to address key issues aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
“The community continues to face mounting challenges, including the loss of their original longhouse in a fire and recent floods, which devastated homes and essential belongings.
“While immediate food relief has been provided, an urgent appeal is now being made for donations to support 36 schoolchildren from the affected community. These children require school uniforms and study essentials to resume their education without further disruption,” it said.
As such, the Sarawak CSO-SDG Alliance urges members of the public, organisations and kind-hearted individuals to contribute to this cause.
Donations in cash or kind are welcome, including school uniforms, stationery and other educational supplies.
For more information, contact Tuai Rumah Ason Sandom on 019-08785329, Henry Gringu Resik (019-8275419) and Nanang Entalaw (014-7872180).
MUKAH (Jan 28): A total of 192 food packages were delivered to residents of Kampung Sitieng here yesterday, after floods cut off roads leading to the village.
Mukah Civil Defence Force (APM) officer Capt Zuriza Sharkawi said the team arrived at the village at 10am to begin the distribution.
“The recent floods left the villagers stranded without access to essential supplies. The delivery of food aid went smoothly and safely.
“All food packages provided by the Mukah Welfare Department were handed over to the affected residents,” she said.
The team consisted of personnel from various government agencies, including the police, Welfare Department, and district office.