The direction of typhoon PABUK (Source: National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Up to five cold spells are predicted to hit the northern region in January, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
Downpours are expected in the entire central region while extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hailstorms could hit the Central Highlands and southern regions.
Average temperatures in different regions in January will be higher than those of previous years, by between 0.5 to 1 degree Celsius.
Total rainfall in the north will also experience an upward trend, mostly in the first half of the month, while the central region will see rainfall 20 to 50 percent higher than previous years.
Off-season rains will appear in the Central Highlands and southern regions on the first ten days of the year.
The first storm of 2019, internationally called Typhoon PABUK, formed in the southwest of the Spratly Islands on January 1.
At 13.00 on January 1, the storm’s eye was seen 450km southeast of Con Dao island. Wind speeds at the eye reached up to 75 km per hour. The storm is predicted to move west – southwest at 10 to 15km per hour and be 280km southeast of Con Dao island.
With the effects of the storm and extreme cold spells, strong winds are forecast to hit the western area of the East Sea, as well as seas of provinces from Quang Ngai to Binh Thuan and from Ba Ria – Vung Tau to Ca Mau.
Preparing for the upcoming storm, from 12:00 on January 1, the People’s Committee of Ca Mau province prohibited boats and ships from operating in the provincial sea.
Authorities of coastal provinces from Quang Ngai to Ca Mau and Kien Giang urged related agencies including rescue forces and media to track the storm’s movement, monitor ships and mobilise search and rescue teams in case of emergency.-VNS/VNA
Another cold front arrived earlier on December 11, plunging the northern region into the coldest days so far this winter and bringing rainfall to central Vietnam after disastrous downpours over the weekend.
Another cold spell is forecast to hit northern provinces from December 27 night, while frost and snow will fall in the northern mountainous region, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.
A tropical depression is forming and heading to the East Sea on December 29 afternoon, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).
As of December 31, four people have died from landslides or floods caused by days of torrential rains in the central region, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control reported.
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Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
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Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
The direction of typhoon PABUK (Source: National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting) 
