VIETNAM TODAY

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.

Ho Chi Minh City is seeking IFC support to mobilise international capital for its metro network, Can Gio transshipment port and other major infrastructure projects.

Cho Lach Commune has become the first locality in Vinh Long Province to launch an e-commerce commune model, bringing its seedlings, ornamental flowers and other local products to TikTok Shop.

Vietnam's peak power demand rose 8.8 per cent week on week as widespread heat across the north and north-central region drove up electricity use.

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.

Police in Khanh Hoa Province are investigating the owner of a motorbike allegedly ridden by a foreign girl, believed to be about 10, while carrying an older man on a busy road in Nha Trang.

HCM City is accelerating health checks for students and workers after screening nearly 2.6 million people, or 19.6 per cent of its population.

Widespread hot weather across central Vietnam is expected to ease on August 19, the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said.

Mature purple jacaranda trees near Dalat Night Market have been heavily pruned, raising residents' concerns, while authorities said the work was needed for safety ahead of the rainy season.

Hanoi has ordered passenger transport operators not to raise fares without approval as it prepares for increased travel demand during the five-day National Day holiday.

HCM City has recorded more than 25,700 dengue cases this year, with infections remaining high and doctors warning that patients can deteriorate rapidly even after their fever subsides.

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.

Vietnam's sex ratio at birth fell to 110 boys for every 100 girls in 2025, but remains above the natural balance level, the health ministry says.

Vietnam is forecast to see fewer storms than usual from September to November, with three to five systems expected over the East Sea and one or two likely to make landfall, as El Nino remains strong.

A new direct air service between Cam Ranh and Dong Hoi airports was launched on August 16, strengthening links between Khanh Hoa and Quang Tri provinces.

A fisherman has been rescued after drifting at sea for four days, with his condition described as weak and requiring medical care.

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.

A foreign tourist has been arrested in Danang after allegedly breaking into hotel villas and stealing valuables worth more than VND 500 million (USD 18,900).