From the night of August 17 through August 21, the northern and north-central regions are forecast to experience widespread heavy rain, with rainfall of 150-300mm and even more than 450mm.

The prolonged rainfall, following several spells of heavy rain, could increase the risk of rising water levels in upstream rivers and streams, flooding in low-lying and urban areas, flash floods and landslides in midland and mountainous areas.

In an official dispatch dated August 17, the Prime Minister ordered ministries, sectors and provinces and cities to be affected to proactively implement response measures, with the top priority being given to the safety of people's lives.

The localities directly instructed to take response measures include Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Tri.

The Prime Minister asked local leaders to directly oversee preparations and review areas at risk of deep flooding, flash floods and landslides so residents can be evacuated in a timely manner, with particular attention to the elderly, children and vulnerable groups.

Local authorities must also deploy forces to control traffic in areas at risk of deep flooding and landslides, clear waterways and drainage channels, and take measures to reduce flooding.

Local leaders will be held accountable to the Government and the Prime Minister if delays, negligence or complacency in disaster response result in loss of life, the dispatch reads.

The Prime Minister also instructed the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Construction and other relevant agencies to closely monitor weather developments and ensure the safety of dykes, reservoirs and dams, transport infrastructure, power and telecommunications systems and other essential facilities.

The military and police forces must be ready to assist with evacuations, search and rescue operations and provide support to local authorities when required.

The National Civil Defence Steering Committee and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment were asked to maintain round-the-clock duty, promptly issue forecasts and warnings and communicate information on heavy rain and flooding to authorities and residents, leaving no room for passivity or surprise in the response.

According to the official dispatch, natural disasters since the beginning of 2026, particularly flash floods and landslides, have left 52 people dead or missing and 80 injured, while 173 houses have collapsed and more than 23,200 have been damaged.

With the new spell of rain expected to last several days, local authorities have been urged to activate response plans early, particularly in mountainous areas, along rivers and streams and in locations at high risk of flash floods and landslides.

Widespread heavy rain expected in northern Vietnam through Aug. 21

VOV.VN - After a hot and humid day on August 17, northern Vietnam and the area from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh in the north-central region are set to experience widespread heavy rain through August 21, with total rainfall generally reaching 150-300mm and locally exceeding 450mm.