Hanoi (VNA) – Hundreds of schools in thenorthern region have allowed students to stayat home amid the freezing cold weather when a new strong cold spell has pushedtemperature down to below 10 degree C and even under 0 degree C.
Lai Chau alone saw 132 schools close, most in mountainous areas.
The cold spell has brought rain and droppingtemperature, and caused frost and snowin high mountain areas. The most affected provinces include Lai Chau, LaoCai, Son La, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, and Lang Son, with temperaturesdropping even below 0 degree C in high mountainous areas.
The northern region and north central provinces from Thanh Hoa toThua Thien-Hue are in the grip of biting cold, with the temperature dropping to7-10 degrees Celsius at the lowest and even plunged to below 0 degree C inmountainous areas. In Hanoi, temperature is from 8-13 degrees C.
Local authorities have guidedlocal residents in applying measures to ensure their health, and keep their plantsand animals warm, especially livestock.
Despite the unfavourable weather,the border guard forces in northern border localities still maintain regularborder patrols to prevent those crossing the border illegally and trying toavoid quarantine. /.