Environment

A tropical depression formed over the northern East Sea early on August 18, with forecasters saying it is unlikely to strengthen into a storm but warning that its path remains uncertain.

Hanoi is preparing drainage systems, pumping stations and emergency teams as prolonged thunderstorms are forecast to bring 10-50 mm of rain a day, raising the risk of localised flooding.

A pod of more than 10 dolphins was spotted near Ben Dinh Port on Ly Son Island on August 17, drawing attention from residents and tourists.

Fishing boats are struggling to enter and leave Cua Tung in Quang Tri Province as worsening sand deposits continue to clog the channel leading to the local fishing port and storm shelter.

Police in Nghe An Province have found a nearly seven-kilo pangolin on a rural road and handed it over to authorities for rehabilitation at Pu Mat National Park.

Thirteen provinces and cities in northern and north-central Vietnam are forecast to see spells of heavy rain from August 17 to 21.

Can Tho City has declared a natural disaster emergency in four wards and communes as worsening riverbank, canal and coastal erosion threatens residents, transport links and key infrastructure.

Haiphong has moved to clear hundreds of tonnes of household waste that had accumulated in residential areas for about three weeks amid collection and treatment capacity problems.

Due to a tropical convergence zone, northern and north-central Vietnam may see widespread heavy rain from August 17-21, with 150-300mm, locally over 450mm.

A 20-kg Asian water monitor lizard listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book has been released into the wild on Phu Quoc Island after being found at a local restaurant.

Gas and water eruptions from wells in Gia Lai Province may be linked to the Po Co fault system and recent volcanic activity, according to the Vietnam Department of Geology and Minerals.

The northern region of Vietnam will see scattered showers and thunderstorms, with localised heavy rain, while central areas face heat.

Dong Nai People's Council has approved a resolution to halt the investment plan for the Vinh Tan waste-to-energy plant, a project worth nearly VND 2.3 trillion (USD 88.46 million).

HCM City and southern Vietnam are expected to see sunny conditions during the day and scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, with high tides posing a risk of flooding.

Authorities in Hanoi have trapped 60 red-eared turtles in Hoan Kiem Lake as part of efforts to protect the lake's native ecosystem.

After days of heat, northern Vietnam will see scattered showers and thunderstorms on the afternoon and night of August 14, with heavy rain in places.

Phu Tho Province has approved a nearly VND 300 billion (USD 11.4 million) project to upgrade 10 reservoirs, improving irrigation and dam safety across eight communes.

HCM City plans to relocate more than 41,500 houses along rivers and canals and carry out 115 urban renewal projects by 2030, with total investment estimated at VND 396.9 trillion (USD 15.1 billion).

A thunderstorm and tornado damaged 47 homes in Cao Bang Province on August 12, prompting local authorities to mobilise emergency teams to help residents repair their properties.