Hanoi, Oct. 1 -- Widespread rain and thunderstorms are forecast across Vietnam on October 1, with authorities warning of high risks of flash floods, landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has pushed water levels up on major rivers in the north and north-central regions. While floods on the Thao and Ma rivers are receding, water levels on the Lo, Cau, Thuong and Thai Binh rivers continue to rise, with some expected to reach or exceed alarm level 3. In Nghe An, floodwater on the Ca River are forecast to peak below level 3 before receding.

From September 30 to October 1, several localities recorded very heavy rainfall, includin...