Tropical Storm Wipha was expected to make landfall along Vietnam’s northern coast on Tuesday morning, prompting emergency preparedness measures across coastal provinces. Nearly 350,000 soldiers were placed on standby as the national weather agency warned of heavy rainfall—up to 50 cm (20 inches)—with risks of flooding and mudslides.
By 6:00 a.m., Wipha was located just 60 km off the coast of Haiphong City, bringing winds of up to 102 kph (63 mph) and moving southwest at 15 kph. The storm was forecast to strike Hung Yen and Ninh Binh provinces before weakening to a low-pressure system by Tuesday night.
So far, there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage. Residents in Haiphong, a major industrial hub, reported only moderate wind and rain in the morning. “We are able to go outdoors this morning as the wind is not too strong,” said a local from Cat Ba Island.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh placed the coastal provinces on high alert, warning of potential flooding and landslides. In response, airlines cancelled or rescheduled numerous flights, while some airports, ports, and train services were temporarily suspended.
Vietnam, with its extensive coastline along the South China Sea, frequently faces powerful storms. In 2024, Typhoon Yagi claimed approximately 300 lives and caused an estimated $3.3 billion in damages.
