Vietnam to fine up to $1,520 for misreporting weather forecasts from August

Decree No. 219, recently issued by the government, stipulates administrative penalties for violations in the field of meteorology and hydrology.

The decree also introduces several new regulations affecting media and broadcasting activities.

As per the decree, which will take effect on August 8, broadcasters that air official weather forecasts or warnings without clearly identifying the source of the information shall be fined between VND3 million and VND5 million ($114-$190).

Higher penalties of VND5 million to VND10 million ($190-$380) apply to those that broadcast weather information without any identifiable source.

Organizations or individuals that omit parts of official weather forecasts or warning bulletins when transmitting them may face fines ranging from VND10 million to VND20 million ($380-$760).

Meanwhile, broadcasters that delay the transmission of weather forecasts or warnings beyond the prescribed timeframe shall be fined VND20 million to VND30 million ($760-$1,140).

The most severe penalties ranging from VND30 million to VND40 million ($1,140-$1,520) will apply to a number of serious violations, including failing to broadcast official weather forecasts or warnings, falsifying the source of weather bulletins, transmitting inaccurate or distorted weather forecasts and warnings, or publishing false information about meteorological and hydrological forecasting and warning activities.