Deputy Director of the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Nguyen Van Tien on September 16 received relief supplies from Samaritan’s Purse, an international NGO dedicated to humanitarian aid and community development, for people affected by typhoon Yagi and subsequent floods and landslides.

The aid, worth approximately 116,000 USD, includes 3,000 flashlights, 3,000 cooking sets, 3,000 water filters for households, and 3,000 clean water containers. According to the plan, they will be transported to the northern provinces of Yen Bai, Lao Cai, and Cao Bang on September 16 and 17 and then distributed promptly to those affected by the storm and subsequent floods.

On the same day, the official also received relief goods from the Swiss Government and handed them over to Chairman of the provincial People's Committee of Yen Bai Tran Huy Tuan.

Valued at an estimated 361,140 CHF (427,504 USD), the Swiss aid includes 26 tonnes of equipment for safe housing, clean water, and sanitation.

At the handover ceremony, the Swiss side affirmed its commitment to support Vietnam in disaster recovery efforts. Switzerland will send a team of eight experienced experts in clean water, sanitation, and safe housing to conduct detailed assessments of Yen Bai’s needs and to propose suitable reconstruction plans. The experts will also assist with the installation and use of the equipment in the locality.

Earlier, on the night of September 15, a flight carrying over 35 tonnes of aid from the Indian Government landed at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi. The 1-million-USD aid included 2,628 water purifiers, 1,000 water containers with valves, 15 water tanks, 10,000 blankets, 7,506 mosquito nets, 2,000 solar-powered lights, and 2,000 cooking sets.

Tuyen Quang province has already received and transported a portion of this relief supplies, while the remainders will be sent to Lang Son for timely distribution to local flood victims.

Since September 11, the ministry has received one shipment of aid from the Australian government, three from the ASEAN Coordination Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management, one from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), one from the Indian government, one from the Swiss government, and one from Samaritan’s Purse.

As of September 16, the ministry has mobilised support from 10 embassies and 16 international organisations, with commitments of 160 tonnes of aid via air transport. All supplies arriving at Noi Bai are set to be directly distributed to Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, and Lang Son provinces to assist affected residents./.

PM chairs meeting on East Sea and island affairs
 
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting with leaders of ministries and agencies in Hanoi on September 16 to thoroughly review the implementation of Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW on the strategy for sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy by 2030, with a vision to 2045, as well as other key contents outlined in the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution.

In light of global, regional, and East Sea developments, along with the nation's evolving needs, PM Chinh asked ministries, agencies and localities to continue following the Party's guidelines and the State's laws, including the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution and the Government’s Resolution on national defence strategy in the new situation.

He urged proactive and effective fulfillment of all tasks, aiming for significant, tangible results across all areas.

They must pool all available resources to propel the sustainable development of the sea-based economy while ensuring that national defence-security remain integral to these efforts. Enhancing the nation’s ability to enforce and protect sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction at sea was highlighted as a priority, he said.

Additionally, they must persist in maintaining a foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, multilateralism and diversification of external ties, and enhancing international cooperation on maritime issues in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the leader noted.

Addressing the pressing issue of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the PM ordered strict adherence to the Party Central Committee's Secretariat and Prime Minister’s Directives. These efforts are pivotal in preventing and eliminating violations by Vietnamese fishing vessels in foreign waters, with the ultimate goal of having the European Commission (EC)'s yellow card removed.

The PM also stressed the importance of raising public awareness and fostering consensus within society and the political system on the significance and role of East Sea and island-related affairs, thus contributing to maintaining peace, stability and development cooperation at sea.

Another bridge collapse victim of found in Red River

Authorities have recovered the body of a man suspected to be a victim of the recent Phong Châu Bridge collapse in in the northern province of Phú Thọ.

The discovery was made on the morning of September 16 during a search operation along the Red River, approximately nine kilometres downstream from the disaster site.

Family members of those reported missing were brought in to identify the body, which was found near Bản Nguyên Commune, Lâm Thao District, Phú Thọ.

This marks the second body recovered since the bridge collapse, following the discovery of 48-year-old Nguyễn Thị Hường on September 14. She was found in the river near Vĩnh Lại Commune, also in Lâm Thao.

The Phong Châu Bridge, which spans the Red River on National Highway 32C and connects Lâm Thao and Tam Nông Districts, collapsed suddenly at around 10am on September 9.

According to official reports, the collapse caused significant damage, with one truck, two semi-trucks, six motorcycles and an electric scooter falling into the river. Eight people were reported missing.

The bridge, originally inaugurated in 1995, had eight spans, with two constructed from 64-metre girders manufactured in Bulgaria. It played a vital role in connecting communities on either side of the river.

Search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining missing individuals. 

More than $50 mil distributed to flood-hit localities

Organisations and individuals at home and abroad donated nearly VNĐ1.24 trillion (US$50.5 million), both in cash and bank transfers, to the Việt Nam Fatherland Front (VFF)’s Central Relief Committee to support victims of Typhoon Yagi and subsequent floods and landslides, as of 5pm on Monday.

In response to the appeal from the Presidium of the VFF Central Committee, various agencies, businesses, organisations and individuals have contributed to the relief efforts. The Central Relief Committee has swiftly disbursed two rounds of aid, totalling VNĐ1.04 trillion ($42.4 million), to the affected provinces and cities.

The distribution of funds has been meticulously planned to address the most pressing needs. Lào Cai Province received the largest allocation of VNĐ180 billion ($7.3 million), followed by Yên Bái Province with VNĐ130 billion ($5.3 million), Cao Bằng and Lạng Sơn provinces each VNĐ80 billion ($3.3 million), Tuyên Quang and Phú Thọ provinces each VNĐ55 billion ($2.2 million).

The remaining localities include Bắc Giang and Quảng Ninh provinces and Hải Phòng City each receiving VNĐ50 billion ($2 million); Sơn La and Bắc Kạn each VNĐ40 billion ($1.6 million), Thái Nguyên and Hòa Bình each VNĐ30 billion ($1.2 million), Hưng Yên and Hà Giang each VNĐ25 billion ($1 million); Điện Biên, Thái Bình and Hải Dương each VNĐ20 billion ($815,000); and Lai Châu VNĐ15 billion ($610,000).

Hà Nội was allocated VNĐ10 billion ($407,000), while Vĩnh Phúc, Hà Nam, Nam Định, Ninh Bình, Thanh Hóa and Bắc Ninh each received VNĐ5 billion ($204,000).

The list of donors will be regularly updated and publicised through the mass media.

Laos, Vietnam need to make breakthroughs in economic links

Head of the Commission for External Relations of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee Thongsavanh Phomvihane has underlined the need for both nations to make all-out efforts to maintain a bilateral annual trade growth rate of 10-15% by carrying out all possible measures.

In a recent media interview on the outcomes of the state visit to Vietnam by General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and State President Thongloun Sisoulith from September 10-13, Thongsavanh affirmed that they include a commitment from both countries to continue prioritising and remaining "shoulder to shoulder" to each other, and consistently offering mutual support for the other in its national construction, development, safeguarding and innovation cause, both in the current period and in the future.

To achieve the set target for bilateral trade growth rate, he suggested both sides work hand in hand to accelerate the implementation of agreements and cooperation memoranda between the two Governments, as well as among ministries, sectors, localities, and businesses of the two countries.

This is addition to continuing negotiations towards the signing of new ones in line with the real situation and build a legal framework to facilitate bilateral collaboration.

It is essential to take specific measures to enhance connectivity and support between the two economies, and also among the three economies of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia; and improve the quality and efficiency of investment cooperation, with a focus on important projects.

The official also underscored the importance of intensifying  exchanges and coordination in macroeconomic management; and prioritizing policies that incentivize businesses to invest in areas where they each have strengths, particularly in energy, digital transformation, technology, agriculture, minerals and tourism, and promote the implementation of the Border Economic Zone model along the East-West Economic Corridor.

The two countries should boost trade promotion activities, build brand recognition, and set up distribution channels for Vietnamese and Lao goods; and encourage the use of local currencies in business, trade, and investment activities between both nations.

Thongsavanh expressed his hope that Vietnam will provide all optimal conditions to facilitate Laos’s foreign trade through Vietnamese seaports.

Mpox still a threat despite containment, health officials warn

Health experts are warning against complacency, urging continued vigilance even as the mpox outbreak remains contained, with concerns that the virus could still spread more widely.

While the outbreak is largely confined to specific groups, Việt Nam has seen 202 cases and eight deaths since 2022. 

The virus mainly spreads through sexual contact, with HCM City reporting the highest number of cases and fatalities. 

From 2023 to 2024, the city recorded 156 cases, including six deaths, with 49 cases reported in 2024 alone. 

All infections involved male patients, with an average age of 32. Notably, 84 per cent of these individuals identified as men who have sex with men, 55 per cent were living with HIV and seven per cent were undergoing pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV.

Associate Professor Dr Trần Đắc Phu, former director of the Ministry of Health's Department of Preventive Medicine and senior advisor to the Centre for Emergency Response to Public Health Events in Việt Nam, said that mpox is a zoonotic disease, transmitted from rodents to humans and from person to person.

While the virus remains endemic in parts of Africa, it has since 2022 spread to several countries, including Việt Nam.

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox to be a global public health emergency, following a sharp rise in cases across several African nations. 

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the virus is experiencing a significant surge, with over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported this year alone.

Dr Phu said the WHO's emergency declaration underscores the difficulty of containing the virus in Africa and the risk of it mutating into more dangerous strains. 

However, he urged the public not to panic, but to remain cautious. He emphasised that while there is no need for excessive concern about mpox spreading in Việt Nam, complacency must be avoided. 

The doctor warned that improper responses could lead to an escalation of the outbreak, while overreacting could deplete resources that are needed for addressing other pressing health issues.

Việt Nam has recorded sporadic cases in provinces such as Đồng Nai, Kiên Giang and Cà Mau this year. 

Although there has been no significant spread, the Ministry of Health warns that the country must remain vigilant to prevent further outbreaks, especially given the complex global situation and increased international travel.

The ministry has instructed local authorities to strictly follow government guidelines on disease prevention, including monitoring, diagnosis and treatment of mpox. 

Surveillance has been enhanced at border checkpoints and healthcare facilities have been directed to incorporate monitoring into HIV/AIDS prevention activities as well as gynaecological and dermatological services.

Local authorities are also advised to review their pandemic preparedness plans and ensure sufficient medicines, equipment, personnel and funding are in place. 

Communication campaigns are being intensified to raise awareness of prevention measures, particularly among high-risk groups. Any suspected or confirmed cases must be reported to the Ministry of Health.

The National Institutes of Hygiene and Epidemiology and major infectious disease hospitals are closely monitoring the situation to identify any clusters or unusual patterns of infection. 

Experts advise the public to practise good hygiene and avoid high-risk behaviours such as unprotected sexual activity. Individuals are encouraged to limit intimate contact with people returning from affected regions. 

PM urges rapid action on new Phong Châu Bridge after collapse

Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà has signed a directive from the Prime Minister, calling for the immediate study and investment in the construction of a new Phong Châu Bridge, which spans the Red River along National Highway 32C and links Lâm Thao and Tam Nông Districts in Phú Thọ Province.

The directive, addressed to the chairman of Phú Thọ Province and relevant ministers, follows the collapse of the Phong Châu Bridge on September 9, caused by rising water levels in the Red River. This collapse has significantly affected the local population, damaged property, and disrupted traffic on this vital route.

The Prime Minister’s directive emphasizes the urgency of building a new bridge, capable of withstanding severe weather conditions. The Phú Thọ Provincial People's Committee is tasked with conducting studies, surveys, and preparing investment procedures for the new bridge, with a report due by October 1.

Ministers of transport, agriculture and rural development, planning and investment, and finance are required to collaborate with Phú Thọ Province, fast-track investment preparations, secure necessary funds, and submit their report to the Prime Minister by September 20.

The Government Office will oversee the implementation and report any issues to the Prime Minister. 

Mid-Autumn Festival held for Vietnamese children in Cambodia

The Mid-Autumn Festival was held on September 16 for children of Vietnamese families who are studying at the Khmer-Vietnamese Tan Tien Friendship Primary School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The event, which was jointly held by the Khmer-Vietnamese Association (KVA) in Cambodia, in coordination with its chapter in Phnom Penh, took place in a lively atmosphere, allowing the children to enjoy the joyous and warm Mid-Autumn Festival, filled with beautiful childhood memories.

Representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia, leaders of the KVA and Phnom Penh chapter, the school's administration, and many parents joined in the festivities with the children.

In his remarks at the festival, KVA President Sim Chy thanked the businesses and philanthropists who supported the organisation of this meaningful programme, adding that through the event, he also encouraged the students to work hard in their study.

Attending the programme, the children had a chance to join many folk games and learn about the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival. It was also an occasion to help them understand more about the cultural tradition of the homeland and heighten the values of family and community.

On this occasion, the organising board also handed over gifts, including lanterns and moon cakes, to the children with the hope that they would have a warm, joyful, and festive celebration and to encourage their spirit of learning./.

Northern provinces are slowly restored after Typhoon Yagi

Provinces and cities in northern region are gradually being restored and getting back to normal, following the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi and subsequent flooding.

Water levels of the Thái Bình and Kinh Thầy rivers are falling, according to the Hải Dương Province Hydrometeorological Centre.

Up to now, all households have returned to their old residences, cleaned up their houses and begun tidying up the local environment.

Along the Luộc River, farmers reinforced cages and rafts to prepare for production to resume.

The provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, Search and Rescue, withdrew alert level three on some downstream rivers on Monday morning. 

The committee requested Tứ Kỳ and Thanh Hà districts, Kinh Môn Town to patrol and guard the dikes according to alert level two, especially embankments, sluices, lagoons, ponds and low-lying fields, to promptly detect and handle any damage. 

Irrigation companies will work with the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and local authorities to strictly implement the pumping and drainage according to the province's and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's directions. 

By Sunday afternoon, Hải Dương Province resolved all 269 dike breaches and 228 irrigation system incidents. 

Earlier, to ensure the safety of people's lives and property, the provincial authorities had evacuated 4,447 households with over 10,600 people.

As many as 113 out of 166 pumping stations are operating to drain water, 54 of which are pumping into the Bắc Hưng Hải irrigation system and 59 others draining into other rivers.

The provincial Department of Education and Training said on Monday that 520 schools in Lào Cai Province resumed teaching after the typhoon, while 78 have still not restarted, accounting for about 13 per cent. 

Bảo Yên District suffered the most damage with 55 schools unable to re-open, accounting for over 80 per cent of the schools in the district.

High school students returned to class with a relatively high attendance rate on Monday morning, estimated at over 96 per cent.

The only school with low attendance rate was Bảo Yên High School No 3 with 431 out of 486 students (55 students absent) because Tân Tiến Commune was still isolated, making travel very difficult.

Two schools were severely damaged, namely the Bát Xát District Junior Secondary School and High School, which experienced landslides that collapsed 16 boarding rooms for students.

The classrooms need to be inspected and evaluated by the education authority before students can return to school.

The Bảo Yên High School No 1 was flooded with water and mud. Books and teaching equipment were damaged and with conditions still not safe for learning,  the return to school date was postponed to Wednesday.

As for Bảo Yên District, 55 out of 68 schools plan to start school next week because these schools are located on areas that are difficult to access due to landslides.

Many families of students and teachers are also facing difficulties in overcoming the consequences of the typhoon.

The education sector has directed schools to actively clean classrooms and ensure the necessary conditions for teaching and learning to return to normal. At the same time, it has encouraged affected staff and teachers to return to their usual school timetable. 

By last Saturday, Lào Cai Province had 35 students dead and missing, and 15 had been injured due to Typhoon Yagi. 

More than 600 families of teachers and education staff and 25 families of students were affected. 

Bảo Yên District alone had 25 students dead, of which 23 were in Nủ Village, Phúc Khánh Commune, and 410 families of teachers suffered losses. 

PM asks for development of digital transformation plans in ministries, sectors, localities

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered ministries, sectors, and localities to build their own digital transformation plans.

In Directive No. 34/CT-TTg dated September 16, 2024, the PM highlighted a number of positive outcomes in digital transformation, e-government building, digital economy and digital society development, and database building.

However, he pointed to challenges and shortcomings in the work, including slow completion of institution and administrative reform, difficulties in infrastructure building in some areas that have yet to access the national power grid, and the modest database sharing among State agencies.

The Government leader emphasised that digital transformation is a tough task requiring high determination, drastic actions, and clear definition of major mission, solutions, and breakthroughs, underlining that the project to develop the resident database, electronic identification and authentication to serve the national digital transformation in the 2022-2025 period, with a vision to 2030 (Project 06) chaired by the Ministry of Public Security is an important and breakthrough project in promoting national digital transformation, creating many utilities and services, bringing practical benefits, ensuring better services for the people and businesses.

The PM asked ministers, heads of ministry-level agencies and Government agencies as well as chairpersons of centrally-run cities and provinces to continue identifying breakthroughs, ensuring that they have their own breakthrough projects to implement digital transformation in their field and management scope.

During this process, ministries, sectors, and localities must stick to the reality in digital transformation, ensuring harmonisation and linkage with the implementation of Project 06, he asked.

Ministries, sectors, and localities with breakthrough projects must complete their projects by October 10, and define breakthrough areas and feasibility of the projects for implementation until 2025.

Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies and Government agencies, as well as chairpersons People's Committees of centrally-run provinces and cities are responsible to the PM for implementing the project in their sectors, fields, and localities. Monthly meetings will be held to review and resolve difficulties and problems in the implementation of the projects.

The PM tasked the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) – the standing agency of the National Committee for Digital Transformation – to announce the digital transformation infrastructure component model, clearly defining responsibilities and presiding agencies, which must be completed before September 30, 2024.

The MIC was requested to summarise the performance of ministries, sectors, and localities and report to the PM regularly.

The Ministry of Public Security was ordered to develop and complete a document summarising lessons learned from the implementation of Project 06 and disseminate it to ministries, sectors, and localities for reference. This task must be completed before September 20, 2024.

The Ministry of Finance was asked to allocate annual State budget funds to implement programmes, tasks, and projects under Project 06 based on proposals from ministries, sectors, and localities following the State Budget Law and related guiding documents.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Planning and Investment was assigned to preside over the summary of annual public investment plans based on proposals from ministries, sectors, and localities during the implementation of programmes and projects according to the law on public investment./.

Cong Phuong likely to return home after departing Yokohama FC

Vietnamese striker Nguyen Cong Phuong has confirmed that he has ended his contract with Japanese side Yokohama FC after two years of playing for the J2 League club.

According to local newspaper VTC News, Cong Phuong is set to return to the nation and will play for a southern club, although his future destination is yet to be revealed.

This is widely considered to be a surprising decision as the Vietnamese striker and the Japanese club had recently renewed his contract. However, during the stay in Japan the 29-year-old player failed to make an impression at the club, being benched for the vast majority of games.

During the course of two seasons, Cong Phuong was only selected to play a total of 85 minutes. He did not score or assist any goals, receiving one yellow card in the process.

China's 75th National Day marked in HCM City

On the back of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Ho Chi Minh City always values the strengthening of exchanges and cooperation with Chinese localities, affirmed Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Vo Van Hoan.

During a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of China's National Day (October 1) hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City September 16, Hoan congratulated China on great and significant achievements the Chinese Party, State and people have obtained over the past 75 years. He believed that under the "core" leadership of Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, the Chinese people will continue to unite and strive toward accomplishing goals and tasks set by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Ho Chi Minh City hopes to become a promising destination for more Chinese investors, with a focus on strengthening ties across industrial transformation, digital transformation, smart city development, infrastructure, innovation, biotechnology, automation, new materials, green economy and clean energy, he said.

He added the Ho Chi Minh City always welcomes and stays ready with all possible support for foreign enterprises and partners, including those from China, to explore business opportunities there. The city is also committed to fostering friendly and multifaceted cooperation with China, contributing positively to the mutual prosperity of both countries.

Chinese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Wei Huaxiang said that in the first seven months of this year, two-way trade surged by 20.9% to 145 billion USD, with China leading in the number of new projects in Vietnam. Additionally, the number of Chinese tourists to Vietnam in the first eight months neared 2.4 million, marking a 158% annual increase.

On the occasion, representatives from the city branch of the China Business Association in Vietnam and business associations from Chinese localities presented a donation of 3.8 billion VND (158,000 USD) to the municipal Vietnam Fatherland Front chapter. The sum is intended to support flood victims in northern Vietnam./.

Up to 1,035 billion VND distributed to flood-hit localities

Organisations and individuals at home and abroad donated 1,236 billion VND (50.35 million USD), both in cash and bank transfers, to the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF)’s Central Relief Committee to support victims of typhoon Yagi and subsequent floods and landslides, as of 5 pm on September 16.

In response to the appeal from the Presidium of the VFF Central Committee, various agencies, businesses, organisations and individuals have contributed to the relief efforts. The Central Relief Committee has swiftly disbursed two rounds of aid, totalling 1,035 billion VND, to the affected cities and provinces.

The distribution of funds has been meticulously planned to address the most pressing needs. Lao Cai province received the largest allocation of 180 billion VND, followed by Yen Bai province with 130 billion VND, Cao Bang and Lang Son provinces each 80 billion VND, Tuyen Quang and Pho Tho provinces 55 billion VND apiece.

The remaining localities include Bac Giang and Quang Ninh provinces and Hai Phong city each receiving 50 billion VND; Son La and Bac Kan each 40 billion VND, Thai Nguyen and Hoa Binh each 30 billion VND, Hung Yen and Ha Giang each 25 billion VND; Dien Bien, Thai Binh and Hai Duong each 20 billion VND; and Lai Chau 15 billion VND.

Hanoi was allocated 10 billion VND, while Vinh Phuc, Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, and Bac Ninh each secured 5 billion VND.

The list of donors will be regularly updated and publicised through the mass media./.

Vietnam contributes to global climate change response efforts

As a signatory to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, Vietnam has over the past years realised its responsibility to manage and eliminate greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh said on September 16.

He made the statement while attending a conference in Hanoi to mark Vietnam’s 30-year membership of the pacts which drew the participation of domestic and international experts from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Bank.

Thanh highlighted that Vietnam has completely phased out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halon, carbon tetrachloride (CTC), and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC)-141b, and effectively controlled the substances in accordance with the Montreal Protocol, adding methyl bromid is now only used for sterilisation purposes.

The country eyes to stop importing HCDC by 2040, and phase down the consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) by 80% by 2045, he added.

According to Megumi Seki, Executive Secretary at the UNEP’s Ozone Secretariat, Vietnam has been a proactive and responsible member of the two pacts, as the nation has made efforts to carry out solutions to managing and phasing out greenhouse gas and ozone depleting substances. The country has got rid of some 220 million tonnes of carbon dioxide since it signed the deals.

The management and elimination of the controlled substances, implementation of sustainable cooling, technology transformation, and collection, recycling and treatment of the substances in Vietnam were on the table at the event.

Participants held that with a view to effectively implementing the pacts, Vietnam needs to complete institutions and policies on the management of the substances, issue standards and technical guidance, encourage climate-friendly technologies, and provide training to improve the management capacity of the enforcement officials.

The Vienna Convention was adopted in 1985, and the Montreal Protocol two years later.

In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed September 16 the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol.

The theme for the International Day this year is “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action”./.

Vietnam wins silver at int'l circus festival

The Vietnam Circus Federation's (VCF) aerial duo performance "Lang Biang Love Story" won a silver and two minor prizes at the third Borderless International Circus Festival, held in St. Petersburg, Russia from September 12-16.

The festival drew the participation of more than 200 artists from 15 countries, including Ethiopia, Germany, and China.

According to People's Artist Tong Toan Thang, Director of the VCF, performers Duc Thinh and Thu Trang captivated the audience with their breathtaking aerial acrobatics. Their performance was based on the tragic love story of a young couple on Lang Biang, a famous mountain in Vietnam's Central Highlands region.

Despite many similar love-themed performances at the festival, the "Lang Biang Love Story" stood out for its meticulous choreography and exceptional technical skill, winning praise from both international audience and colleagues.

In addition to the silver prize, the performance won two minor prizes from Mexico and Russia./.

Vietnamese community aids Laos’s post-typhoon recovery efforts

A delegation of the Vietnamese community in Laos, led by Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Vietnam Phan Minh Chien, on September 16 came to the Lao Prime Minister’s Office to hand over financial aid to support those affected by Typhoon Yagi in the country’s northern region.

At the event, Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the timely support from Vietnam, although Vietnam has also suffered heavy losses from the natural disaster. He noted that this gesture reflected the two nations’ enduring solidarity and mutual support in any circumstance.

The government leader assured that the received fund will be distributed to flood victims in various Lao localities.

For his part, Chien expressed his confidence that under the leadership and close attention of the Lao Party and Government at both central and local levels, local people will overcome the difficulties and that life in the affected areas will soon return to normal.

In the presence of PM Siphandone, Chien, on behalf of the embassy and its related agencies, the Vietnam Business Association and Vietnamese community in Laos, presented 300 million LAK (13,580 USD) worth of aid to Lao Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Baykham Khattiya./.

Vietnamese in Brussels celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival

Vietnamese expatriates across Belgium gathered in Brussels on September 15 to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, turning the event into a warm reunion.

Held by the General Association of Vietnamese in Belgium (UGVB), the event saw the presence of Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao and officials from Ixelles district, a hub of Vietnamese community in Belgium.

UGVB President Huynh Cong My opened the event with a tribute to the victims of Typhoon Yagi, urging the community to rally support for those affected by the devastating natural disaster.

A cultural highlight of the event was the traditional 'Ao dai' fashion show, featuring Belgian husbands and Vietnamese-Belgian children. The flowing 'Ao dai', imbued with rich Vietnamese symbolism, created a bridge between the two cultures.

Beyond the runway, the festival was a sensory feast, with a vibrant food and traditional product fair. Aromas of familiar Vietnamese delicacies, from mooncakes and 'pho' (noodle soup) to spring rolls and sticky rice filled the air, enticing visitors to indulge in the tastes of home.

A Vietnamese book stall offered a literary escape, while an 'Ao dai' stall showcased exquisite designs, allowing visitors to take home their favourite pieces.

A charitable aspect of the event was the sale of Vietnamese goods by the Friends for Vietnamese Kids group, aimed at raising funds for underprivileged students in the northern province of Bac Giang.

Additionally, the festival raised a total of 1,110 EUR (1,234 USD) to support Vietnamese flood victims.

Lion and dragon dance performances also added to the festive atmosphere, delighting children and adults alike./.

Overseas Vietnamese in Singapore enjoy Mid-Autumn Festival

The liaison board of the Vietnamese community in Singapore organised a Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, at the Vietnamese embassy in the island-city state on September 15.

The event, which gathered a large number of Vietnamese people in Singapore as well as international friends, featured various activities imbued with Vietnamese culture such as mask and conical hat painting, making banh deo (sticky rice moon cake), decorating lanterns and making figurines.

Participants also enjoyed Vietnamese folk games including tug of war, sack jumping race and bamboo pole dance as well as special art performance and Vietnamese specialties.

In his remarks at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Mai Phuoc Dung hailed the efforts of the liaison board, the Vietnamese Student Association as well as the volunteers in preparing for the festival. He emphasised the need to nurture the love for the homeland among children in the Vietnamese community through preserving the traditions, customs and practices of Vietnam as well as spreading the Vietnamese language in the host country.

Ta Thuy Lien, head of the board said that the event not only offers an opportunity for children to have a better understanding of the festival - a long-standing and sound cultural tradition of the Vietnamese people - but also highlights the connection with the homeland.

One of the meaningful activities of this year's edition is that the organising board took the occasion to call on the Vietnamese community in Singapore to join hands to support people affected by super Typhoon Yagi, reflecting the spirit of mutual love in the community, she continued./.

About 118.3 million USD needed to repair national highways damaged by typhoon

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) estimates that about 2.9 trillion VND (118.3 million USD) is needed to repair highways from Thanh Hoa central province to northern provinces, which were damaged by typhoon Yagi.

In the latest report sent to the Prime Minister on overcoming the consequences of the typhoon – the third one this year – the MoT said that along national highways from Thanh Hoa to northern provinces, a total of 4,177 locations were damaged, including road signs, toll stations and pontoon bridges.

Of these, 3,924 were seriously damaged by landslides and subsidence.

The transport sector has overcome 555 out of 567 landslides to clear all or a partial road surfaces, to allow traffic.

Currently, only 12 locations were not cleared because they are located in terrain areas that are difficult to access for construction machinery.

The transport sector also has to fix 246 out of 253 locations due to flooding.

Units in the sector have actively coordinated with local authorities to urgently restore road infrastructure to help search and rescue teams and clear routes to allow the transport of essential goods to serve the people.

As for the waterways, as many as 753 out of 763 ports are inactive.

They are in Hanoi, Phu Tho, Nam Dinh, Hai Duong, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Thai Binh, Ha Nam, Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh, Hung Yen, Yen Bai, Vinh Phuc, Thai Nguyen.

They are expected to re-open after the rivers’ water level is safe, traffic restriction notices are removed, signalling systems are deployed on the routes and any damage to ports are repaired./.

Power supply resumed to over 5.98 million clients affected by Typhoon Yagi

The Vietnam Electricity (EVN) announced that its units have resumed electricity supply to 98% or more than 5.98 million customers who suffer from power outage due to Typhoon Yagi.

With the urgent and great efforts of units of the EVN’s Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC), 1,626 out of the 1,678 medium-voltage power lines affected by the super storm resumed operation as of September 16 morning.

The northern power sector is urgently mobilising personnel, vehicles, and equipment to address post-typhoon consequences and restore supply to affected customers as quickly as possible.

All incidents on the 500 kV high-voltage grid have been repaired.

Meanwhile, 39 out of the 40 incidents on the 220 kV power grid, 184 out of the 190 on the 110 kV power grid; and 10 of the 220 kV substations and 101 out of the 104 110kV substations have been repaired.

The National Power Transmission Corporation reported that the 500kV Circuit-3 power transmission line linking Quang Trach in the central province of Quang Binh and Pho Noi in the northern province of Hung Yen, which was inaugurated on August 29, 2024, did not experience any incident and was not damaged by Typhoon Yagi./.

Vietnam's drum performance thrills Kuala Lumpur audience

A performance entitled “Trong com” (cylindrical drum) by Vietnam’s Le Ngoc Theatre has left a strong impression on audience at the International Drum and Dance Festival in Kuala Lumpur.

The September 14-16 event is organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in celebration of Malaysia Day (September 16). It is an annual activity of DBKL to honour cultural diversity, while demonstrating the uniqueness of the art heritage of each state, especially the drum rhythm.

About 20 domestic and four foreign art troupes from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam attended the festival.

Opening with the dance “Hello Vietnam”, young actors of Le Ngoc Theatre impressed the audience with their ao dai (traditional long dress) printed with lotuses and conical hats printed with red flag and yellow star. In the second part, a medley of singing and dancing combined with a vibrant and resonant drum performance and well-prepared traditional yet modern dances made the stage come alive with the cheers and encouragement of the large Vietnamese community living in Kuala Lumpur.

This year’s edition drew about 3,000 participants. Many traditional games were also held at the festival such as tug of war, pole vaulting and archery./.

Local communities play crucial role in geopark conservation: symposium

The 8th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium wrapped up in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang on September 15.

With the theme of “Local/indigenous people and sustainable development in Geoparks,” the four-day event issued the Cao Bang joint statement that highlights the role of local or indigenous communities in the preservation and management work.

Relevant stakeholders, as well as local and regional authorities should be representatives in the management of UNESCO Global Geoparks, according to the document.

In order to enhance the empowerment of local communities and attract more visitors, the network identifies, protects, and optimises the use of intangible heritage to tell stories about geological processes, history, culture, as well as the rituals and beliefs of locals, it said.

Participants also emphasised the need to protect and promote all local or indigenous languages, as well as the existing knowledge systems within the territory of the geoparks.

The statement stressed the important role of geoparks in the implementation of 17 goals set in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially those on poverty reduction, quality education, and stronger partnerships for climate action, inequality reduction, and gender equality.

The participants called for for further actions to materialise initiatives at local, regional, and international levels, with the aim of establishing a comprehensive framework for the conservation and sustainable development of geoparks, and building a long-term vision for the network.

The 9th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network is scheduled to be held in Kedah, Malaysia, in 2026.

Cao Bang is home to Non Nuoc Cao Bang, which was recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018. The geopark covers the six districts of Ha Quang, Tra Linh, Quang Yen, Trung Khanh, Ha Lang and Phuc Hoa, and part of Hoa An, Nguyen Binh and Thach An districts.

The geopark is home to nine ethnic groups including Tay, Nung, Mong, Dao and San Chay.It is an exceptional territory which offers insights into the history of our planet across more than 500 million years through protected sites. Fossils, marine sediment, volcanic and plutonic rocks and minerals are witness to the remarkable evolution and changes of our planet, and they constitute an exceptional geological heritage.

It is also a land of tangible and intangible cultural heritage sites and special historical monuments. The area is also well-known for its high biological diversity with abundant endemic plant and animal species and ecosystems./.

Donation campaign launched in Singapore to support Yagi-hit victims  
 
In response to the appeal of the Presidium of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore on September 15 launched a campaign to raise funds to support people who were affected by Typhoon Yagi and subsequent floods in the homeland.

Head of the liaison board of the Vietnamese community in Singapore Ta Thuy Lien said that overseas Vietnamese in Singapore paid much attention to the campaign and spread relevant information.

Meanwhile, according to the Singaporean Embassy in Vietnam, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has announced a grant of SGD50,000 (around US$38,600) to support the ongoing humanitarian efforts of the Vietnam Red Cross (VNRC). A response team from the SRC is scheduled to come to Vietnam to support the relief operations.

A group of Singaporean businesses in Vietnam named "SG Community Cares" pledged to contribute VND1.5 billion (over US$61,000) to support relief and recovery efforts.

Wilmar, a Singaporean company with long-standing presence in Vietnam, is launching an initiative that aims to raise US$400,000 to provide relief aid for storm victims in areas that were hit hard by the typhoon, especially in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh.

The Temasek Foundation in Singapore also announced that it will soon deliver aid to the northern province of Lao Cai and Hai Phong city, and coordinate to provide fresh water in Thai Nguyen province.

As of 5 pm on September 16, Typhoon Yagi and subsequent floods and landslides had left 329 people dead or missing in Vietnam, including 291 fatalities, and 1,922 others injured.

Mexico praises role of Vietnamese revolutionary press in national defence

The Mexican Labour Party (PT) highly values the significant contributions of the Vietnamese revolutionary press to national defence and construction, including its crucial role in connecting information between Vietnam and the world.

General Secretary of the PT Alberto Anaya Gutiérrez stated this during a meeting with a delegation of Vietnamese journalists led by former General Director of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Tran Mai Huong. The delegation is on a working visit to Mexico as part of foreign affairs activities towards the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam - Mexico diplomatic relations (1975-2025).

Gutiérrez expressed his admiration for the struggle for national liberation of the Vietnamese people and President Ho Chi Minh, affirming that Vietnam's success today must be attributed to the key role of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), which has transformed Vietnam from a poor, backward and war-torn country into a prosperous nation with an increasingly important position and role in the region and the world.

Regarding Vietnam's revolutionary press in general and the VNA in particular, Gutiérrez said Vietnam's revolutionary press has not only documented historic moments but has also been a source of inspiration for the struggle for national independence, construction and development.

Congratulated the VNA on its 79-year heroic journey of formation and development (September 15, 1945 - 2024), Gutiérrez highlighted the agency's increasingly high-quality and diverse information products. They are always keeping pace with the development of science and technology, as well as the rapid changes in the global situation, he added.

The agency's news for foreign service have contributed to introducing the image of a Vietnam that is full of strength and attractive to readers worldwide, he added.

The PT hopes to continue accompanying and collaborating with the VNA in information and communication efforts for the benefit of both nations, he said.

For his part, Huong said Vietnam will keep in mind the valuable support of the government and people of Mexico for the just struggle of the Vietnamese people for national independence in the past, and for national construction and development at the present.

Mentioning the role of Vietnam's revolutionary press in the new era, Huong affirmed that Vietnamese journalism is not only a tool for popularising the Party's policies and State's laws, guiding public opinion, but also plays a crucial role as a platform for people to express their thoughts and aspirations regarding social issues.

During their stay, the delegation visited Emiliano Zapata University and the Cendi preschool system - the educational facilities developed by the PT in Monterrey city.

They also visited the Vietnamese Embassy, and laid flowers at the President Ho Chi Minh Monument in the Freedom of Ethnic Park in the centre of Mexico City.

More foreign typhoon reliefs, donations come, UK pledges one million GBP in aid

A total of 40 water purifiers and 200 multi-purpose plastic tarpaulins donated by Japan are set to come to the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai on September 15 to be delivered to people in areas affected by heavy rains and floods triggered by super Typhoon Yagi.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki and representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) handed over the relief goods to Deputy Director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)'s Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Preventiona Vu Xuan Thanh at Noi Bai Internatial Airport on the same day morning.

On September 14, a fund-raising programme for Vietnamese people affected by Typhoon Yagi organised in Tokyo by the Kanto Joho Union of Japan collected JPY200,000 (nearly US$1,420).

The event was held within the framework of the 12th Japanese eloquent contest for foreign workers hosted by the union.

On the same day, the Vietnamese community in Saitama prefecture also raised 119,000 JPY for flood victims in the homeland.

UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew on September 14 announced that the UK government will provide one million GBP in humanitarian aid to help Vietnam overcome the consequences of the natural disaster.

On September 13 - 14, the MARD received three shipments from the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) and then transferred to Yen Bai and Lao Cai provinces.

Vietnam wins three gold medals at Asian Wushu Championships

Local martial artists brought home three gold medals to finish in fourth position in the overall table at the 10th Asian Wushu Championships 2024 which concluded on September 16 in Macao (China).

Dinh Van Tam claimed one gold medal in sanda (combat) after defeating Arnel Mandal of the Philippines in the men’s 52kg category.

Elsewhere, in sanda (combat), Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hien won a gold medal following a victory over Tsz Ching of Hong Kong (China) in the women’s 56kg category.

The third gold medal went to Hua Van Doan in the men’s 56kg category after he trounced Karim Iminzhanov of Kazakhstan in the final match.

The 10th Asian Wushu Championships 2024 began on September 12 and ran through to September 16, gathering together 300 martial artists from 20 countries and territories worldwide. Vietnam sent 12 martial artists to the tournament, with the local participants competing in both the taolu (performance) and sanda (combat) categories.

In terms of combat, men fought in the 48kg to 90kg category, while women competed in weight classes from 48kg to 75kg.

Local martial artists won a total of three gold, two silver, and nine bronze medals, ranking fourth in the overall table behind China, Iran, and Malaysia.

One dead after under-construction underpass on Tuyên Quang - Hà Giang Expressway collapses

Tuyên Quang Provincial Police reported that the steel support structure of an underpass on the Tuyên Quang - Hà Giang Expressway in Khe Đảng Village, Tứ Quận Commune, Yên Sơn District, unexpectedly collapsed on Monday evening, resulting in the death of a worker.

The incident occurred at around 7 pm while workers were pouring concrete for the underpass. The collapse caused injuries to Tòng Văn T., a worker from Yên Hưng Commune, Sông Mã District, Sơn La Province.

The victim was rushed to Phương Bắc General Hospital, but he sadly succumbed to his injuries.

Yên Sơn District police are currently collaborating with the forensic department of Tuyên Quang Provincial Police to investigate the cause of the collapse. 

New resettlement area to be built for Nủ Village residents

A new resettlement area for residents of flood and landslide-hit Nủ Village in Bảo Yên District, Lào Cai Province, will be built about 2km from the old village.

Local authorities said the spacious area will be located on 10ha of high terrain, safe, and suitable for arranging transport, electricity, and water infrastructure. 

The village was swept away by flooding and landslides triggered by Typhoon Yagi a few days ago, leaving 52 people dead.

All survivors of the natural disaster have agreed to this plan.

New houses in the resettlement area will be constructed using the traditional architecture of the local Tày people. This resettlement area can also accommodate those living in other low-lying areas, not just the households affected by the floods.

Forty houses will be constructed for 40 affected families. Villagers living in low-lying areas will be relocated to the new resettlement area.

Community houses, schools and other infrastructure like roads, electricity and power systems will be built in the resettlement area.

The work of measuring, planning and assessing compensation for site clearance and construction began on Monday. The resettlement area is expected to be completed before December 31.

According to local authorities, the strategic flooding and landslides that hit the village on September 10 have so far left 14 missing and injured 15 people. 

Nủ Village is home to 168 people. The floods swept away thirty-three households.

Trịnh Xuân Trường, chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said another resettlement area will also built for residents of Nậm Tông Hamlet where the collapse of Southeast Asia Hydropower Plant’s operation house on September 10 left five people dead.

Lào Cai province will take responsibility for site clearance, opening roads for construction units to transport machinery and equipment and arranging electricity and water infrastructure to serve construction work, he said.

The two resettlement areas will be built thanks to the support of Việt Nam Television's Tấm Lòng Việt (Vietnamese Heart) Fund. 

VNA/VOV/VNN/VNS