Weather Deputy PM Leads Efforts as Typhoon Wipha Nears Vietnam

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Photo courtesy of Vietnam News

 

Amid growing concerns over Typhoon Wipha, Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà spearheaded a critical government meeting on Sunday. With technical agencies on high alert, he urged them to provide precise assessments of the storm's potential devastation. The typhoon threatens Vietnam's northern and north-central regions, with areas from Quảng Ninh to Hà Tĩnh likely to be most affected.

 

In response to the complex and swift developments of Typhoon Wipha, Hà emphasised the need for a robust mobilisation of local and central forces. The aim is to ensure comprehensive emergency actions that could reduce potential losses.

 

The Deputy PM highlighted the importance of scrutinising disaster preparedness following the recent restructuring of local governments. The shift to a two-tier system demands that provinces and municipalities operate cohesively in their storm and flood response efforts.

 

“The clear assignment of responsibilities and coordination is essential,” he stated.

 

As reported by the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 9am on 20 July, the storm's centre hovered around 670km east of the Quảng Ninh–Hải Phòng coastline. With its circulation pointing south and west, Typhoon Wipha is expected to reach the Gulf of Tonkin by Monday morning, sustaining wind speeds of 89–103 km/h, with gusts up to 150 km/h.

 

From Monday to Wednesday, heavy rains are forecast for areas spanning the Northeast and Red River Delta to Thanh Hóa and Nghệ An, with precipitation expected between 200–350mm. Some isolated areas may exceed 600mm. Northern regions could see up to 200mm, with certain spots receiving more than 300mm.

 

An update from the Standing Office for Civil Defence, Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue, reported by 6.30am on Sunday, confirms that 54,300 vessels and 227,200 crew members have been informed of the storm's path. This proactive measure facilitates timely sheltering and safety.

 

The aquaculture sectors are on high alert, with 148,834 hectares at risk, including 20,154 fish cages and 3,743 watch huts across coastal provinces from Quảng Ninh to Nghệ An.

 

Reservoir levels at key hydropower facilities like Sơn La and Hòa Bình remain below peak thresholds, ensuring some capacity to handle excess rainfall. Nonetheless, there are ongoing repairs on 91 reservoirs to enhance their functionality.

 

Additionally, Hà extended condolences to the victims of a recent capsizing incident in Hạ Long Bay, Quảng Ninh. Despite challenging conditions, recovery efforts continue for those still missing. The tragedy underscores the need for more stringent controls over marine vessels, especially tourist boats, across coastal provinces to prevent similar incidents.

 

As Vietnam braces for the onslaught of Typhoon Wipha, authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to mitigate its impact. The comprehensive strategy aims to safeguard lives and property, while ongoing assessments and preparations underscore the nation's readiness against nature’s fury.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Vietnam News 2025-07-21