HCMC – Northern and north-central provinces of Vietnam are ramping up emergency measures as Storm Wipha moves closer to the country’s northern coast. Authorities in Thanh Hoa Province said they are ready to evacuate up to 170,000 residents if a red alert is issued.
As of 4 p.m today, July 20, the storm was located about 500 kilometers off the coast of Quang Ninh Province, which has already suspended all maritime activities from 11 a.m. to ensure the safety of vessels and tourists. Boats and cruise ships operating at sea were ordered to return to shore and take shelter, reported the local media.
The Government convened an emergency meeting on the same day, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, with participation from over 1,700 communes and wards in northern and north-central Vietnam. The hybrid meeting focused on preparedness and coordination across all levels.
Thanh Hoa Province has mobilized 166 rapid response teams across 166 communes. Local authorities are closely monitoring fishing boats, aquaculture zones, and dams. Emergency equipment has been reviewed and positioned strategically.
In neighboring Ninh Binh Province, authorities have outlined evacuation plans and are reinforcing vulnerable infrastructure, including power stations and flood-prone areas. On-site response forces have been put on alert.
Quang Ninh authorities are also placing emphasis on tourist safety, protection of aquaculture operations, coal mine sites, rivers, and streams. Provincial leaders have been dispatched to high-risk areas to oversee response efforts directly.
The military and police have confirmed full readiness. Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, said the armed forces have mobilized personnel, equipment, and command structures from central to local levels. He urged provinces to complete the formation of civil defense steering committees under the 2023 Civil Defense Law to improve command coordination and crisis response.
Lieutenant General Le Van Tuyen, deputy minister of Public Security, emphasized the principle of unified local command, with all response units—including those deployed from the central government—operating under the leadership of local authorities. The police force remains on standby for flood and storm response upon the request of local administrations.
Meanwhile, in HCMC, sudden heavy rains and strong winds disrupted several areas over the past two days. On July 20, gusty conditions uprooted trees in multiple neighborhoods, damaging some vehicles. The Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center attributed the severe weather to an intensified southwest monsoon.
Strong winds combined with waterlogged soil have weakened tree roots, leading to collapses. Weather experts warned of continued rainfall and localized flooding later in the day, though wind intensity may gradually decline. Residents were advised to stay alert and exercise caution when traveling in adverse conditions.
