Da Nang holds tsunami response drill

Under the theme “Island health,” the drill was jointly hosted by the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Health, the People’s Committee of Da Nang, and the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM).

The event is within the Pacific Partnership 2015 Mission (PP15) which took place in Da Nang from August 17-28.  

The event drew the attendance of U.S. Ambassador in Viet Nam Ted Osius and Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien.

According to the scenario, at 3 p.m., an earthquake happened offshore of Da Nang. Local authorities would be informed about heavy waves submerging fishing vessels and destroying buildings in the coastal areas.

The tsunami caused massive deaths and injuries. Relief forces immediately appeared to provide first aid and establish field hospitals.

A large number of ambulances, small vessels, helicopters would be mobilized to evacuate victims to hospitals in the city or U.S. hospital ship USNS MERCY.  Patients would be given medical treatment.  

Da Nang in particular and coastal provinces and cities in Viet Nam in general frequently suffer from natural disasters. Hence, emergency relief and natural response play an important role, contributing to minimizing heavy losses of lives and properties.

The drill is expected to support Viet Nam in assessing the initial scene, mapping out response plans, and receiving experience in medical treatment for victims and scarce resource allocations./.

By Kim Anh