Typhoon Wipha approaches Vietnam's coast, expected to trigger torrential rains, landslides

Typhoon Wipha, the third storm this year in Vietnam, is forecast to make landfall along the coast from Hai Phong city to Thanh Hoa province on Tuesday, bringing extreme rainfall to northeastern provinces as well as the mountainous regions of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh.

Rainfall may exceed 600 mm in some locations, posing a severe risk of urban and lowland flooding as well as landslides and flash floods in mountainous areas.

Nguyen Thanh Binh, a representative of the Department of Numerical Weather Prediction and Remote Sensing at the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, said the storm was moving west-southwest at a speed of 10-15 kph, with wind intensity reaching up to 102 kph.

Areas expected to be most affected include the Gulf of Tonkin, coastal waters and mainland provinces from Quang Ninh to Nghe An, according to Binh. The natural disaster risk level remains at Level 3.

As the typhoon nears the shore, its cloud system is expected to stabilize and push inland, leading to rapidly increasing rainfall.

Between Tuesday and Wednesday, rainfall in the northeast, Red River Delta, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An is forecast to range from 200-350 mm, with some places exceeding 600 mm.

Other parts of the northern region and Ha Tinh may receive 100-300 mm. There is a high risk of extreme downpours, with over 150 mm of rain expected to fall within three hours.

Bình warned that landslides might not occur at the peak of rainfall but afterwards, when rain would persist even after the storm weakens. Northern and north-central regions should remain alert, as rainfall was expected to continue for several days after the storm passes.

Typhoon Wipha was forecast to continue moving west-southwest at 10-15 kph by 1 p.m. on Wednesday and gradually weaken into a tropical depression.

On Monday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment directed coastal provinces and cities, including Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Đa Nang and Quang Ngai, to urgently call back fishing vessels operating in the Gulf of Tonkin to safe shelter.

Authorities have stepped up warnings and are guiding vessels, including fishing boats, tourism vessels and cargo ships to designated storm shelters. Plans are also in place to reinforce aquaculture cages and floating houses to reduce potential damage.

Thanh Hoa has issued a ban on all vessels and water transport from 8 a.m. on Monday until the storm no longer poses a threat. Commune and ward-level officials in coastal areas and fishing zones will be held responsible for any negligence in enforcing the ban that results in harm to people or property.

In Quang Ninh, the provincial authority on Monday released a list of 76 designated anchoring points and natural shelter sites for vessels during the 2025 storm season.

By Monday morning, all tourist vessels had safely returned to port. Border guard posts like Thanh Lan (Co To) and Tra Co (Mong Cai 1) have successfully called in over 1,150 boats, ensuring no vessels remain at sea in their respective areas of responsibility.

In anticipation of typhoon Wipha’s arrival in coastal waters, residents in storm-prone provinces are urgently implementing measures such as reinforcing roofs, sealing windows with tape, installing wind barriers and hauling boats ashore to protect property.

In Quang Ninh, residents and local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, are also stockpiling fuel for power generators in case of outages during the storm. At gas stations, the number of customers buying fuel has spiked.

Nguyen Van Tuan, who works at Pusan Hotel in Ha Long, shared that the hotel proactively purchased fuel to operate backup generators in case of a widespread power failure during the storm.

In Ninh Binh province, the provincial People’s Committee has ordered all relevant forces to be on standby with supplies, vehicles and equipment, particularly at high-risk and critical locations, to quickly respond to any incidents as quickly as possible.

The authorities have also proactively evacuated more than 1,000 residents from deteriorating public housing blocks, structurally unsafe homes and old apartment buildings in urban areas.

According to chairman of the Nam Dịnh ward People’s Committee Phsm Hong Thai the ward is home to 462 households living in unsafe housing. Evacuation plans have been drawn up, temporarily relocating residents to local government offices, health stations and schools. Security personnel have been assigned to ensure public order until the storm passes.

In Do Son ward, Hai Phong city, vice chairman Pham Hoang Tuan said that temporary shelters and essential supplies had been prepared for residents needing evacuation due to landslide risks, as well as for fishermen from other provinces whose boats are docked at Ngoc Hai fishing port.

According to a rapid report by the Do Son ward People’s Committee, 1,335 tourists, 55 of them foreigners, are currently staying at hotels and guesthouses in the area.

Meanwhile, Hai Phong’s Department of Agriculture and Environment reported that as of 9 a.m. on Monday, authorities had issued storm warnings to 1,657 vessels, 9,900 aquaculture cages and 16,000 tourists in Cat Ba Island, including 2,500 foreigners.

In Hanoi, heavy rain is forecast from Tuesday to Thursday, with rainfall totals of 250-350 mm and wind gusts expected due to typhoon Wipha. The storm poses a significant risk of urban flooding and traffic congestion. Outlying districts may face widespread inundation, crop damage and landslides in hilly areas.

Strong winds may snap branches, topple trees and power poles, rip off roofs and damage livestock shelters, posing serious threats to public safety.

To minimize losses and ensure personal safety, residents have been advised to inspect and reinforce windows, roofs, electrical systems and drainage; stock up on food, drinking water, flashlights, backup batteries and essential medicines; and fully charge communication devices.

On Monday, Vietnam Airlines cancelled several key domestic routes, including flights between HCMC and Hai Phong as well as routes to Con Dao. Meanwhile, Pacific Airlines rescheduled its flights between HCMC and Hai Phong.

As planned, all Vietnam Airlines Group flights from Cat Bi Airport will depart after 12 p.m. on Tuesday.

Additionally, several domestic and international flights on Tuesday may experience cascading delays and schedule disruptions due to typhoon Wipha’s impact.