Northern Vietnam Braces for Heavy Rains, Flood and Landslide Risks

Northern and north-central Vietnam are bracing for heavy rains from an approaching tropical depression, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides. The government has ordered intensified disaster response and recovery efforts to ensure public safety and minimize damage. Local authorities in Hanoi and 14 other northern provinces have been instructed to closely monitor weather developments and issue timely warnings, enabling local officials and residents to take preparedness measures. Past events highlight the potential impact. Prolonged heavy rains from September 13–17 caused flooding and landslides in Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces, damaging homes, crops, roads, and infrastructure, prompting emergency responses from local authorities. On August 22, Storm Narra, the fourth of the year, strengthened over the northern East Sea, bringing strong winds and heavy rains to northern Vietnam, with some areas forecast to receive over 500mm of rain. The current tropical depression formed in the Gulf of Tonkin on the evening of August 21, leading to sea bans in Ninh Binh and Hung Yen provinces before 5:00 AM on August 22. The disaster risk level is forecast at Level 3. To date, a total of 2,965 households have been evacuated in areas including Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Thanh Hoa provinces. Additionally, 1,065 hectares of crops have been inundated or damaged in Lang Son, Bac Ninh, and Quang Ninh provinces. In Lang Son, 290 landslide and inundation sites have disrupted traffic. Local authorities have contacted 1,620 vessels with 4,499 crew members, ensuring no vessels remain unreachable or are operating in dangerous areas. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung urged authorities in provinces and cities from Quang Tri northward, along with relevant ministries and agencies, to take urgent measures to ensure public safety and minimize damage caused by natural disasters. Vietnam's strategic orientation for sustainable development includes promoting waste treatment technologies, clean energy, recycling, and environmental protection. Furthermore, smart urban development is increasingly vital as a tool for risk forecasting, rapid adaptation, and resident protection. The Implementation Agreement on carbon credits collaboration, signed on September 16, 2025, underscores Vietnam and Singapore's commitment to cooperation in the international carbon market and contributions to global climate response. Source: VietnamPlus English