Environment

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.

Police in Gia Lai Province have opened a criminal case after nearly 1.2 tonnes of suspected elephant ivory were found concealed in wooden boxes at Quy Nhon Port.

HCM City plans four urban redevelopment projects worth nearly VND 50 trillion (USD1.9 billion) along Doi Canal's southern bank to improve infrastructure, the environment and public spaces.

Northern Vietnam and parts of central Vietnam are set for continued hot weather on August 11 and 12, with temperatures expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius in some areas.

A fourth earthquake in two weeks has struck Cao Bang Province, with residents reporting noticeable ground shaking but no immediate damage or casualties.

A new bridge is set to open this month, ending years of seasonal isolation for hundreds of families living in a village on an island in the Thu Bon River in Danang City.

Ninh Binh Province will spend VND 230 billion (USD 8.75 million) to reinforce and upgrade the Hai Thinh III coastal dyke to protect communities from storms, flooding and coastal erosion.

Son La Province has declared a natural disaster emergency in two communes after heavy rain triggered landslides and ground cracks, threatening hundreds of residents.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the capital, rows of trees lining Hanoi's streets provide more than shade. They help regulate the air and reduce dust, serving as invaluable "green lungs" for the city.