Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Society

-- Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Ho Chi Minh City late on Friday afternoon caused the city’s first metro line to suspend operations briefly for safety reasons. Trains were temporarily stationed at nearby platforms while the system underwent a thorough inspection. Services on the route resumed the same evening after no issues were found.

-- Hanoi has set a target of planting an additional 700,000 trees in 2025, contributing to Vietnam's broader goal of planting one billion trees during the 2021-25 period.

-- Northern Vietnam may see scattered rain, sunny intervals by midday, and chilly conditions at night and early morning, while intense rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in central Vietnam, and the south could experience isolated showers during Saturday, according to the national weather center.

-- A sudden downpour on Friday afternoon flooded major roads in Bien Hoa City of southern Dong Nai Province and nearby areas, causing widespread congestion and vehicle breakdowns.

-- Police in Phu Quoc City, an island off the coast of southern Kien Giang Province, confirmed on Friday that they had arrested three Uzbek nationals for allegedly using fake U.S. dollars to exchange for real Vietnamese dongs or purchase goods from local shops. Officers seized over $22,000 in suspected counterfeit $100 bills and over VND330 million ($11,700) in cash.

Business

-- A Vietnam Airlines flight bound for Ho Chi Minh City from Tokyo made an emergency landing in Taiwan on Friday to provide urgent medical assistance to a Vietnamese passenger. After the emergency was addressed, the flight resumed its journey, arriving in Ho Chi Minh City over three hours behind schedule.

Lifestyle

-- The Ba Ria - Vung Tau Tourism Week kicked off on Friday in the namesake province. The three-day event includes many highlights like water sports performances, free hot air balloon rides, lively evening performances featuring popular Vietnamese artists, and an exhibition showcasing regional specialties.

World News

-- President-elect Donald Trump has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to pause implementation of a law that would ban popular social media app TikTok or force its sale, arguing he should have time after taking office to pursue a "political resolution" to the issue, Reuters reported.

-- President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday dissolved Germany's lower house of parliament to pave the way for snap elections on February 23 following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-way coalition, according to Reuters.

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