Heavy Rains Cause Widespread Damage in Northern Vietnam

Heavy rains have caused widespread damage across northern Vietnam, particularly in Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces. A total of 1,065 hectares of crops were inundated or damaged, with 560 hectares affected in Lang Son and 455 hectares in Bac Ninh. In Lang Son, 290 sites of landslides and inundation disrupted traffic, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain alert for flash floods and landslides. Local authorities evacuated 2,965 households, with 2,736 in Lang Son alone. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has urged authorities in provinces and cities from Quang Tri northward to take urgent measures to ensure public safety and minimize damage caused by natural disasters. While the tropical depression is not particularly intense, it is expected to bring rain over a very large area covering many provinces and cities in the north and central regions. Meteorological experts note that the El Niño phenomenon is expected to remain at strong to very strong levels from September to November with a 100% probability, potentially contributing to the heavy rainfall. El Niño is known to increase the risk of extreme weather events in Vietnam. Vietnam's strategic orientation for sustainable development includes a focus on environmental protection and climate change adaptation. The country is also promoting international cooperation in sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear power, and advanced technologies. The current disaster response highlights the importance of leveraging smart urban development insights for risk forecasting and rapid adaptation. Information Source: VietnamPlus English