HUST, originally scheduled to hold graduation ceremonies this weekend, announced a postponement to 4/10 and 5/10 to avoid the impact of Typhoon Ragasa.

HUST's graduation ceremonies usually attract thousands of students, along with their families and friends. The university stated that students from afar who have already booked flights for this weekend can receive their diplomas, documents, and take graduation photos on the afternoon of 26/9.

Meanwhile, the National Economics University, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, canceled its new academic year welcoming ceremony today to ensure the safety of lecturers, students, and guests. Important activities like awarding ceremonies will be rescheduled for the nearest possible event.

Many other universities have announced a shift to online learning today and tomorrow. At Hanoi Industrial University, theoretical classes will be held online, while practical classes can either be conducted online or postponed and made up later. At the University of Law, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, lecturers can choose to teach in person, online, or reschedule classes.

Several other universities, including the University of Commerce, Labor and Social Affairs University, Hanoi University of Culture, University of Technology and Management - Huu Nghi, and the National Academy of Public Administration, have also shifted to online learning for one to four days.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), Typhoon Ragasa is expected to make landfall near Mong Cai, Quang Ninh, around noon today, with wind speeds of level 8, gusting to level 11. The typhoon is expected to bring rain to the coastal areas of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, as well as the northern region and from Thanh Hoa to Nghe An.

Forecast track and affected areas of the typhoon at 7 a.m. today. Photo: NCHMF

Forecast track and affected areas of the typhoon at 7 a.m. today. Photo: NCHMF

Hai Phong and Quang Ninh have suspended classes for school students. The Hai Phong Department of Education and Training has requested all schools to halt all learning activities and gather students during the typhoon's landfall and widespread heavy rain.

"Schools must proactively adjust their schedules to ensure the absolute safety of students, teachers, and staff, and promptly notify all parents to manage their children at home, preventing them from traveling or participating in crowded activities during dangerous weather," stated the Department's document on 22/9.

Almost all schools in Hai Phong have suspended classes today. The city has over one million students, following its merger with Hai Duong.

Around 365,000 students in Quang Ninh have also been given time off from school starting this morning, 25/9. Schools have advised parents to keep their children at home and limit travel. Teachers are preparing to resume teaching after the typhoon.

Schools in Hanoi flooded due to Typhoon Wipha in July. Photo: Viet Tuan

Schools in Hanoi flooded due to Typhoon Wipha in July. Photo: Viet Tuan

On 22/9, the Ministry of Education and Training also sent an official dispatch to the Departments, requesting them to closely monitor the developments of the typhoon and rain, develop plans to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff; and prepare for online learning and school closures during periods of complex weather.

According to Ministry regulations, schools can proactively adjust their schedules during natural disasters and unusual weather conditions, but they must arrange make-up classes to ensure students receive the necessary knowledge.

Duong Tam - Thanh Hang