Vietnam's northern coastal provinces are bracing for Typhoon Wipha as it approaches landfall near Haiphong City with sustained winds of 102 km/h. Nearly 350,000 military personnel have been deployed for emergency response amid forecasts of 50 cm rainfall – equivalent to a month's precipitation in some areas – raising flood and landslide risks.
Critical Industrial Zones at Risk
The storm threatens key industrial hubs including Haiphong's port facilities, though residents reported manageable conditions early Tuesday. "We're cautiously moving about as winds remain moderate," said a Cat Ba Island resident, reflecting localized preparedness efforts.
Transport Networks Disrupted
Over 50 flights have been canceled or rescheduled across Noi Bai and Van Don airports, while maritime authorities suspended port operations. Railway services to northern regions remain halted until Wednesday.
Historical Context of Storm Impacts
Vietnam's 3,260 km South China Sea coastline makes it vulnerable to tropical systems. Last year's Typhoon Yagi caused $3.3 billion in damages, underscoring the economic stakes of disaster mitigation in one of Asia's fastest-growing economies.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has activated national flood response protocols, emphasizing lessons learned from previous disasters. Weather officials predict Wipha will weaken into a low-pressure system by Tuesday night after crossing Hung Yen and Ninh Binh provinces.
