Typhoon No. 3, also known as typhoon Yagi, caused significant damage to coastal provinces in northern Vietnam, with Hai Phong being one of the hardest-hit areas. According to preliminary statistics from the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), 35 fishing vessels at Mat Rong Fishing Port suffered severe damage. Particularly, more than 3,000 LED light bulbs used on squid fishing boats were shattered due to strong impacts, resulting in losses estimated at over 3 billion VND. These light bulbs are crucial equipment for squid fishing, so their destruction has greatly affected the production capacity of local fishing households and businesses in the seafood industry.
Immediately after the storm subsided, authorities began assessing the damage and developing recovery plans. Mr. Tran Dinh Luan, along with representatives from various related sectors, visited the affected areas, inspected the scene, and encouraged the fishermen to restore their production and return to the sea as soon as possible.
A practical support program for fishermen
Given the extensive damage caused by the storm, the light bulb donation program for fishing vessels that faced difficulties due to typhoon Yagi holds significant practical value. According to Mr. Tran Dinh Luan, the support of LED light bulbs not only helps fishermen quickly resume their production activities but also enhances the efficiency of their fishing operations. Each LED light bulb, valued between 3 to 6 million VND, features cutting-edge technology that saves up to 40% of fuel compared to traditional bulbs. This is a crucial factor in reducing production costs for fishermen and increasing the competitiveness of seafood products.
Mr. Luan emphasized that this support goes beyond simply donating light bulbs; it is a long-term commitment to helping fishermen overcome hardships. The Department of Fisheries has compiled a list of fishermen whose vessels were damaged by the storm and sent it to businesses that provide fishing vessel equipment, encouraging them to study supportive pricing policies. These policies aim to alleviate the financial burden of repairing and replacing damaged equipment. Many businesses have pledged to offer materials at a 20–30% discount, depending on the specific policy of each company.
Additionally, the Department of Fisheries will work closely with related local agencies, such as the Hai Phong and Quang Ninh Fisheries Sub-Departments, to closely monitor the support and recovery process. This ensures that policies are implemented in a timely manner and directed to the right beneficiaries. Mr. Luan shared: “We are committed to standing by the fishermen as they recover from the storm. In addition to material support, we will also provide advice and technical guidance to help them fish more safely and effectively.”
The LED light bulbs donated this time are not merely lighting devices but essential tools to improve the efficiency of seafood harvesting. These modern LED bulbs can save fuel and are more durable in the harsh marine environment. They help fishermen reduce fuel consumption by up to 40%, which is significant for long voyages at sea. Furthermore, these bulbs are highly resistant to saltwater, ensuring they do not harm the eyes or skin of those using them, thereby guaranteeing the safety of fishermen during their operations.
Fisherman Dinh Khac Trong, one of the recipients of the support, expressed his gratitude: “The recent storm caused us severe losses. Many light bulbs on our vessels were broken, making it impossible for us to go out to sea. The timely assistance from the Department of Fisheries and the businesses has helped us partially recover from the damage. We are very thankful for this support, and we will try our best to resume production and continue fishing.”
Enhancing disaster warning and preparedness
Typhoon No. 3 not only caused material damage but also served as a stark reminder of the increasing unpredictability and severity of weather conditions. According to Mr. Tran Dinh Luan, in the context of more complex and severe natural disasters, early warnings and strengthening resilience to storms are critical. The Department of Fisheries has directed localities to regularly review mooring areas to ensure the safety of fishing vessels and improve disaster warning systems.
Mr. Luan also noted that fishing vessels are now equipped with journey monitoring devices, which allow them to detect and track weather conditions from afar. When a storm is approaching, these vessels receive warnings and instructions to move away from dangerous areas, either returning to shore or anchoring at safe ports. “We are currently finalizing a safety manual for fishermen, which will help them better respond to natural disasters. Being complacent when facing storms can lead to unforeseen losses,” Mr. Luan stressed.
Although fishermen have faced many challenges after the storm, their resilience remains strong. After receiving assistance from authorities, many have begun repairing their vessels and equipment to return to the sea soon. Localities like Hai Phong have also implemented various measures to help fishermen recover their operations, from providing materials and equipment to financial support and low-interest loans.
Mr. Dong Xuan Chuyen, Deputy Head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Office of Thuy Nguyen District, said: “Although the damage to the light bulbs is not accounted for in Circular No. 43/2015/TT-BNNPTNT, the support from the Department of Fisheries and businesses has been a great help to the fishermen. We will continue to work alongside them to quickly recover from the storm’s aftermath, helping fishermen return to the sea as soon as possible.”
With practical support efforts from both government agencies and businesses, Hai Phong fishermen hope to overcome the current difficulties, continue fishing, and contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam's fisheries industry.
Hải Đăng