Breakfast @ Tuoi Tre News - August 16

Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Society

-- Northern Vietnam and several north-central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh are likely to see widespread rainfall of 150-300mm between August 17 and 21, with precipitation in some locations above 450mm, according to the national weather agency.

-- The agency also warned that El Niño will likely remain strong to very strong until at least February next year, raising concerns about reduced rainfall in central provinces and an early end to the rainy season in the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam.

-- Five fishing families in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, whose boats were severely damaged in a fire early on Saturday morning, have received a total of VND115 million (US$4,430) in emergency support to help them overcome difficulties.

-- Severe tidal flooding is forecast to affect several areas of Vinh Long Province in southern Vietnam from September through November, disrupting daily life and travel, according to the provincial hydro-meteorological agency.

Ho Chi Minh City

-- The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Public Security on Saturday inaugurated a new school designed to provide education and shelter for disadvantaged children, aiming to give them equal opportunities to grow and become responsible citizens.

Education

-- Hanoi will provide free health checkups to all eligible children and students from August 18 to September 4 before the 2026-27 academic year, while digitizing examination results for long-term health management, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

Travel

-- Vietnamese citizens will enjoy free admission to heritage sites within the Complex of Hue Monuments in Hue City, central Vietnam on August 19 and September 2, as part of activities marking the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution’s success and National Day, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

World

-- At least 38 people died after an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 and dozens of aftershocks struck off eastern Indonesia on Saturday, officials said, as rescue workers rushed to reach areas closest to ‌the epicenter, Reuters reported.