The National Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting Centre has issued a warning over extreme weather conditions in Vietnam’s northern and north-eastern provinces. In an urgent official note, the ministries of national defence, public security, transport, industry and trade have been advised to implement immediate prevention measures in preparation for the anticipated heavy rains, which are likely to trigger flashfloods and landslides. The affected provinces are Cao Bang, Lang Son, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La and Bac Kan. Vietnam is highly prone to extreme weather, with the country now in the middle of the south-west monsoon season.