Organisations and individuals found violating flood prevention regulations will be punished, according to Decree 04/2010/ND-CP. Punishments will range from a warning to a fine of up to VND40 million (US$2,200) depending on the type of violation.
For example, any vessel which anchors in a prohibited location or affects a flood prevention project will be fined between VND1 million ($55) to VND2 million ($111). If someone discovers damage to a flood prevention project but fails to report the discovery, he or she will receive the same fine.
Other fines will be imposed for violators found illegally exploiting forests or land, or encroaching on protected areas. Fines will also be imposed if violations force an evacuation.
Relevant ministers and the chairman of local People's Committees will be responsible for direct implementation of the decree, while the Ministry of Rural and Agriculture Development will take responsibility for monitoring and evaluation of the activities.
"The first task is to popularise the decree. The media and local authorities will co-operate closely to disseminate the information," said Dao Xuan Hoc, vice chair of the National Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control.
Tran Quang Hoai, deputy head of the Flood and Storm Prevention and Dike Management Department, said: "It is essential to raise people's awareness about flood prevention, including the need for protecting flood prevention projects such as dikes and irrigation infrastructure."
On average, Viet Nam suffers four to five major floods each year, which costs the State about 1.5 per cent of GDP and results in 500 deaths. In 2009, monetary damage from floods reached VND23,200 billion ($1.2 billion), two times more than 2008.
The new decree will take effect from March 10.