Typhoon Rai changes direction, gradually weakens

Typhoon Rai, the ninth storm to hit Vietnam in the East Sea, was about 200km to the east-northeast of Ly Son island of the central coastal province of Quang Ngai at 4am on December 20, with gust near the eye of the storm reaching 200 km per hour, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.
Typhoon Rai changes direction, gradually weakens ảnh 1Waves measuring 5-8m in height hit ports in Vietnam (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Typhoon Rai, the ninth storm to hit Vietnam in the East Sea, was about 200km to the east-northeastof Ly Son island of the central coastal province of Quang Ngai at 4am on December20, with gust near the eye of the storm reaching 200 km per hour, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

The typhoon is forecast to change direction to move north-northeastat a speed of 15-20km per hour on early December 21.

By 4am December 22, Rai will move east-northeast at 10-15kmper hour, and then weaken into a tropical depression and late a low pressurezone.

Typhoon Rai's projected trajectory (Photo: National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting)

As the typhoon approached, strong wind and torrential rains wereexpected in the central region, with high-level warnings issued for flooding.

As of December 19 evening, 172 families residing in high-riskareas in Quang Ngai’s Ly Son district had evacuated to safer places in aneffort to mitigate losses caused by Typhoon Rai, announced the People’sCommittee of the district.

Typhoon Rai changes direction, gradually weakens ảnh 3Ly Son resident reinforces his house's roof (Photo: VNA)

In addition, 719 out of 725 fishing vessels of Ly Sonfishermen had taken shelter and local authorities were able to contact ownersof the remainders, said Chairwoman of the Committee Pham Thi Huong.

All aquaculture facilities had been safely moved to land,she added./.

VNA

See more

Construction workers reinforce steel and pour concrete to cover the underground drainage channel, helping collect rainwater and tackle flooding in Da Nang. (Photo: VNA)

A new “shield” against climate change

Smart urban areas are no longer simply about technology; they are becoming a tool that enables authorities to forecast risks, adapt quickly and protect their residents.

Vietnam is exerting efforts to cope with climate change. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Vietnam approves carbon credit pact with Singapore under Paris Agreement

Signed on September 16, 2025, the Implementation Agreement on carbon credits collaboration under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change affirms Vietnam and Singapore’s pioneering role and commitment to close cooperation in the international carbon market, making a substantive contribution to global climate response.

A view of Vo Cuong ward, Bac Ninh province (Photo: VNA)

Bac Ninh earmarks over 1.7 billion USD for environmental protection

By 2030, Bac Ninh aims to ensure that all operating industrial clusters and industrial parks have centralised wastewater treatment systems meeting standards, while at least 95% of wastewater in Grade-I urban areas and 70% in Grade-II urban areas is collected and treated to required standards.

Many inland canals in Can Tho city dries up following a prolonged period of extreme heat. (Photo: VNA)

Government adopts action programme on environmental protection, climate resilience

The programme aims to translate the Party's orientations into concrete actions while strengthening environmental governance, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting a green, circular and low-carbon economy. It will serve as the basis for ministries, sectors and localities to formulate implementation plans for the 2026–2030 period, with a vision to 2045.

Dray Sap Waterfall lies within the UNESCO Dak Nong Global Geopark in Nam Da commune, Lam Dong province. (Photo: VNA)

Lam Dong steps up efforts to retain UNESCO global geopark status

Covering nearly 4,760 square kilometres across 22 communes and wards in western Lam Dong (equivalent to 73.1% of the former Dak Nong province's natural area), the geopark was shaped by millions of years of geological activity and successive volcanic eruptions.

A stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides) is handed over to the Cam Lo–Dong Ha forest ranger station in Quang Tri province on January 27, 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Rare primate handed over to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

A stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides) was handed over to the Centre for Rescue, Conservation, and Development of Creatures under the Management Board of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri province on July 21, for rehabilitation and eventual release into the wild.

Two Red Lories (Eos rubra) found among the 104 wild animals being kept without documentation proving their lawful origin in Phuoc Thanh commune, Tay Ninh province. (Photo published by VNA)

Criminal proceedings launched against case of illegal keeping, trading of 104 wild animals

They recorded a total of 104 wild animals, comprising 92 African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcata) of various sizes, six Red Lories (Eos rubra) and six Green-cheeked Parakeets (Pyrrhura molinae). Authorities said the animals are subject to management under Vietnam's forestry legal regulations and are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

BUYO Bioplastics' biodegradable plastic products are made from brewer's grains and sugarcane bagasse. (Photo: nhandan.vn)

Vietnam urged to shift from plastic waste treatment to full life-cycle management

For years, efforts to tackle plastic pollution in Vietnam have focused mainly on waste collection, recycling and disposal. However, as sustainable development and green trade standards become increasingly important, specialists argued that a broader approach is needed, covering everything from product design and material selection to production, consumption and recycling.