HCMC – Storm Wipha is gaining strength as it heads into the Gulf of Tonkin and is forecast to make landfall in northern Vietnam, potentially disrupting coastal and inland areas from Quang Ninh to Nghe An, reported the local media.
As of 10 a.m. on July 21, the storm was located about 190 kilometers from Quang Ninh Province and 310 kilometers from Haiphong City, with winds at level 9 and gusts up to level 11. The storm is moving west-southwest at 10–15 kilometers per hour and is expected to intensify to levels 10–11, with gusts reaching level 14, as it enters the northern Gulf of Tonkin.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Wipha is likely to affect coastal provinces from Thanh Hoa to Nghe An before weakening into a tropical depression over northern Laos by July 23.
Strong winds of levels 6–11 and waves up to five meters high are expected across northern and southern parts of the Gulf of Tonkin, including areas around Bach Long Vi, Co To, Van Don, Cat Hai, and Hon Dau. Storm surges of 0.5–1 meter could occur along the coast from Hung Yen to Quang Ninh, with high tides expected to reach up to 4.8 meters at Cua Ong and 4.1 meters at Hon Dau.
Authorities have warned of possible flooding in coastal and river mouth areas, especially during high tide on the afternoon of July 22. Inland areas could also experience winds strong enough to topple trees and utility poles or damage rooftops.
Between July 21 and 23, widespread rainfall is forecast across northern and north-central Vietnam. Rainfall totals are expected to range from 200–350 millimeters in the northeast, Red River Delta, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An, with some areas potentially receiving over 600 millimeters. Other parts of the north and Ha Tinh Province may see 100–200 millimeters, with localized downpours exceeding 300 millimeters.
Sudden, intense rainfall exceeding 150 millimeters in three hours could trigger flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas and lead to significant flooding in low-lying regions.
Flights canceled across northern airports
Storm Wipha has also disrupted air travel. Vietnam Airlines canceled at least seven flights between HCMC and Haiphong or Con Dao on July 21. The affected flights include VN1188, VN7188, VN7189, VN7056, VN7057 (HCMC–Haiphong) and VN1856, VN1857 (HCMC–Con Dao).
Pacific Airlines adjusted departure times for flights BL6440 and BL6441 on the HCMC–Haiphong route to ensure operations before noon on July 21 at Haiphong’s Cat Bi Airport. The airline also canceled flights BL6520 and BL6521 on the same route.
Vietnam Airlines Group said all flights to and from Cat Bi Airport on July 22 will depart after noon. Other domestic and international flights may also experience cascading delays or cancellations due to the storm.
Vietjet Air canceled eight flights involving Quang Ninh and Haiphong on July 21, including routes between Van Don and HCMC (VJ232, VJ233), and HCMC–Haiphong (VJ290, VJ1278, VJ1284), as well as Haiphong–HCMC (VJ291, VJ1275, VJ1285).
Airlines have advised passengers to stay updated on flight schedules as further adjustments may be necessary depending on weather conditions. Passengers are also reminded to remain seated with seatbelts fastened during flights due to potential turbulence.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has instructed all relevant agencies to implement emergency protocols and maintain around-the-clock readiness. The Airports Corporation of Vietnam and Van Don International Airport have been tasked with inspecting airport infrastructure and communication systems to ensure flight safety during the storm.
Emergency response measures
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, in a hybrid meeting with 1,700 communes and wards on July 20, instructed agencies to closely monitor the storm’s development and ensure coordinated emergency response. Localities were urged to reassess disaster response capabilities, particularly following recent administrative consolidations.
In response to the approaching storm, Quang Ninh Province has suspended all tourist boat services in Halong Bay and routes to nearby islands. Vessels were allowed to return to shore but are banned from departing again. Ninh Binh Province suspended all marine operations from 7 a.m. on July 21 and began evacuating residents from vulnerable dike areas. Haiphong and Hung Yen also imposed maritime bans on the evening of July 20.
