Vietnam appoints new head for disaster prevention agency

Nguyễn Thượng Hiền has been appointed as the new Director General of the Directorate for Water Resources Management and Dyke Control and Natural Disaster Prevention. The decision was signed by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Trịnh Việt Hùng. Hiền's appointment is effective from August 20 and will last for five years.

Previously, Hiền served as the Director General of the Directorate for Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change. His transfer to the new role is considered a suitable fit by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, given his deep expertise in water conservancy and extensive experience in meteorology and hydrology. Officials believe he can immediately take on his new responsibilities as the 2026 rainy and storm season is underway.

During a ceremony on August 18, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyễn Hoàng Hiệp presided over the announcement of personnel changes. He presented the appointment decision to Hiền and also announced the transfer of Phạm Đức Luận, the former Director General of the Directorate for Water Resources Management and Dyke Control and Natural Disaster Prevention. Luận will move to the Department of Personnel Organization as Deputy Director, also effective August 20 for a five-year term.

Deputy Minister Hiệp stated that Luận's transfer stemmed from his personal request after many years of dedication to disaster prevention work. He emphasized that Hiền's appointment to the Directorate for Water Resources Management and Dyke Control and Natural Disaster Prevention is highly appropriate. Hiệp urged both Hiền and Luận to leverage their capabilities and experience in their new positions, quickly grasp their duties, and collaborate effectively to fulfill their assigned tasks.

In related personnel changes, Hoàng Đức Cường, Deputy Director General of the Directorate for Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change, has been assigned to oversee the directorate's operations while a new Director General is appointed.

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The transfer and appointment of Mr. Phạm Đức Luận stems from his personal wishes after many years of dedication and contribution to disaster prevention work. At the same time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's assignment and transfer of Mr. Nguyễn Thượng Hiền to take on new duties at the Directorate for Water Resources Management and Dyke Control and Natural Disaster Prevention is very appropriate. Mr. Nguyễn Thượng Hiền not only has deep expertise in water conservancy but also has extensive experience during his time working in the Meteorology and Hydrology sector and can immediately start work as the 2026 rainy and storm season is underway.