Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung signed an urgent directive on August 17 on behalf of the Prime Minister, instructing ministries and local authorities to step up preparations for heavy rain, flash floods and landslides.
The directive applies to 19 provinces and cities from Quang Tri northwards, including Hanoi, Haiphong, Quang Ninh, Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Son La, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh.
Natural disasters, particularly flash floods and landslides, have left 52 people dead or missing and 80 injured since the start of 2026. They have also destroyed 173 homes and damaged more than 23,200 others.
The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said a tropical convergence zone could bring widespread heavy rain to northern and north-central Vietnam from the night of August 17 through August 21.
Rainfall is forecast at 150-300 mm, exceeding 450 mm in places, raising the risk of river flooding, urban inundation, flash floods and landslides after successive spells of rain.
Thunderstorms, strong gusts and waterspouts are also possible at sea.
The Prime Minister ordered authorities to closely monitor forecasts and protect lives and property, particularly around dykes, reservoirs, power and telecoms infrastructure, schools, hospitals and transport facilities.
The defence ministry was instructed to help local authorities evacuate people from high-risk areas and mobilise military units for disaster response, rescue and recovery operations.
Police were also told to assist with evacuations and rescue operations and provide reinforcements when requested.
Localities must review evacuation plans and move residents from high-risk areas when needed, particularly the elderly, children and other vulnerable people exposed to flooding, flash floods and landslides.
Operators of riverside construction sites, river and sea transport and tourism vessels, mines and mineral extraction sites must be warned of heavy rain, flooding, thunderstorms and strong winds so they can take safety measures.
Authorities must ensure the safety of dykes and reservoirs, maintain emergency teams and issue timely warnings and guidance, while providing essential supplies to affected communities.
