Lai Chau alone saw 132 schools close, most in mountainous areas.
The cold spell has brought rain and dropping temperature, and caused frost and snow in high mountain areas. The most affected provinces include Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Son La, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, and Lang Son, with temperatures dropping even below 0 degree C in high mountainous areas.
The northern region and north central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien-Hue are in the grip of biting cold, with the temperature dropping to 7-10 degrees Celsius at the lowest and even plunged to below 0 degree C in mountainous areas. In Hanoi, temperature is from 8-13 degrees C.
Local authorities have guided local residents in applying measures to ensure their health, and keep their plants and animals warm, especially livestock.
Despite the unfavourable weather, the border guard forces in northern border localities still maintain regular border patrols to prevent those crossing the border illegally and trying to avoid quarantine.
VNA/VNP
