According to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, heavy downpours with rainfalls ranging from 108mm to 365mm were reported in Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, and Lang Son over the past 24 hours between 8 a.m. on July 2 and 8 a.m. on July 3.

"Rainy weather is forecasted to continue in these areas today, triggering flash floods in springs and landslides at hills and mountains," the centre said. "All ten districts and cities will face landslide threats in Cao Bang Province."

Residents in these provinces have been advised to prepare for the incidents and closely follow weather forecasts to have suitable preventive methods.

In a statement dated July 2, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested localities promptly detect and proactively evacuate people, vehicles and property in areas at risk of flash floods and landslides as heavy rain strikes northern Vietnam.

The prime minister said that this is the peak period of the rainy and flood season in the North, and localities should be highly vigilant by timely and effectively deploying flood response plans to limit damage and impact on people's production and daily lives.

The rainy weather, anticipated to last several days, has helped break the heat wave that has gripped northern localities for the past week. Temperatures have dropped to 27-32 degrees Celsius.