Vietnam evacuates hundreds of thousands ahead of storm

HANOI -- Thousands of people waving flags poured into the streets of Vietnam's capital Hanoi and other cities after the SEA Games hosts beat fierce rivals Thailand 1-0 in the men's football final on Sunday. Defending their football crown from the 2019 Games, the home team came out on top of a tough match in front of a capacity 40,000 crowd at Hanoi's rocking My Dinh stadium. Forward Nham Manh Dung was the home hero with an 83rd-minute header that arrowed into the top corner, sending the already boisterous crowd into a frenzy, blasting air horns and waving flags and flares. A supporter holds a flare as he celebrates Vietnam's football win. Photo: AFP Downpours had drenched Hanoi all day, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of red-clad spectators who began arriving for the clash several hours before it began in an effort to grab a prime seat. As kickoff approached, the streets of the usually traffic-choked capital became relatively light as many locals were … [Read more...] about Vietnam erupts in celebration as SEA Games hosts win football gold

The death toll from powerful thunderstorms in Canada's two most populous provinces this weekend rose to at least eight, authorities said on Sunday, as emergency crews continued a massive clean-up to restore power to half a million people. The storms, which lasted more than two hours Saturday afternoon and packed the power of a tornado, left a trail of destruction in parts of Ontario and Quebec. Wind gusts as strong as 132 km (82 miles) per hour felled trees, uprooted electric poles and toppled many metal transmission towers, utility companies said. Electricity companies were scrambling on Sunday to restore transmission lines. Most of the deaths from the storms occurred when people were hit by falling trees, authorities said. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government was ready to help those in need. "We're thinking of everyone affected, and thanking the crews who are working to restore power," Trudeau tweeted on Sunday. Hydro One, Ontario's biggest electricity … [Read more...] about Storms kill at least 8 in Canada, leave half a million without power

Editor’s note : This story by Ray Kuschert is about quán , a type of small food outlet which is very popular in Vietnam in general and in Ho Chi Minh City in particular. Kuschert has been living in Ho Chi Minh City for the past ten years. Mention 'street food' to any traveler and people all over the world instantly turn their minds to the amazing, cheap, and available street food in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is the street food megacity of Vietnam with almost every type of Vietnamese food imaginable available around the city. However, hidden within this gem is a secret superhero that has been feeding locals and tourists for generations. People eating bò né (Vietnamese-style beefsteak) at a quán in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Bong Mai / Tuoi Tre Often confused with street food, the small business known as a quán is the very heart and soul of culinary culture. Such small food outlets specialize in one dish and are the places to go for a sit-down meal or … [Read more...] about ‘Quán’: A secret superhero of ‘real’ fast food in Ho Chi Minh City

Swimming continues to be Singapore's strength at SEA Games 31. - Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) Singapore (VNA) – Singaporean athletes have achieved their targets set for the ongoing 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) in Vietnam, said Chief of the Singapore Sports Institute Dr. Su Chun Wei at a press conference on May 22. The Singaporean sports delegation gave their best at SEA Games 31, and showed determination and resilience, perseverance and ambition to take to win, he said. Sports administrators of Singapore hailed the “bright future” ahead for Singapore sport after the showing by its athletes at the SEA Games, with over a third of the 161 medals garnered claimed by debutants. The Singaporean contingent of 424 athletes competed in 33 sports at SEA Games 31 and clinched 47 gold, 44 silver and 70 bronze medals as of May 22. The total haul so far is already Singapore’s third-best showing at an away SEA Games, behind only the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur, … [Read more...] about Singapore meet medal targets at SEA Games 31

PM Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the meeting with Gia Lai officials on May 22. (Photo: VNA) Gia Lai (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a working session with key officials of Gia Lai on May 22, part of his working trip to this Central Highlands province. Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Ho Van Nien reported on Gia Lai ’s achievements in containing COVID-19, recovering socio-economic development, and performing political tasks. He also submitted several proposals to the Government so as to help boost local development. PM Chinh spoke highly of Gia Lai’s attainments but also pointed out certain shortcomings needing to be addressed, including potential yet to be fully optimised, limited strategic infrastructure, and hardships facing ethnic minorities , especially those in rural areas. Highlighting some focal tasks for the time ahead, he demanded the province work harder to capitalise on its potential, advantages, and resources to obtain a fast and … [Read more...] about Gia Lai province urged to establish itself as driver of Central Highlands

Coaches play mind games ahead of football final Hosts crowned football queens Finswimming makes splash on return Vietnamese muay fighters reach finals Cambodia win historic volleyball bronze ABSOLUTE STARS: Vietnamese fans used the country's traditional nón lá (conical hat) painted as the national flag to cheer for the men's football players in the final yesterday in Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo Quốc Khánh Anh Đức HÀ NỘI — After 17 days of intense and exciting competition, the 31st SEA Games is coming to an end. Although the joy of hosting the Games for the Vietnamese people came one year late, it is evident that their passion did not waiver. "It's a wonderful SEA Games," said Minh, a supporter wearing an interesting cone hat and cape. "The athletes are friendly, and the Games went on in an atmosphere of solidarity between the nations." "I watched all SEA Games events, and I am impressed by the spirit of sports here at the Games." "It's quite surprising … [Read more...] about Passion and pride: see you next Games