HCMC – Vietnam is preparing for Storm Bualoi as it is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rains, and flooding to northern and central provinces late on September 28 or early September 29.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) said Bualoi is moving at nearly twice the average speed of storms in the region and could generate a combination of hazards, including strong winds, torrential rains, flash floods, landslides, and storm surges.
Mai Van Khiem, head of the NCHMF, said wind strength on land may equal or exceed Storm Kajiki, which hit Ha Tinh Province earlier this year with winds of 62–100 km/h and gusts up to 118 km/h.
International forecasts differ slightly on the impact zone, but most predict landfall between Nghe An and Quang Tri provinces. Japan and China’s meteorological agencies forecast winds of 133 km/h on September 28, while Hong Kong’s forecasters expect gusts up to 184 km/h in Ha Tinh and Quang Tri. The U.S. Navy projected similar strength, equivalent to Vietnam’s level-12 scale, and AI-based models suggested winds of 89–118 km/h.
By the evening of September 27, waters from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai were already experiencing rough seas with waves of three to five meters. Near the storm’s center, waves could reach 10 meters. Storm surges of up to two meters are expected in coastal areas from Ninh Binh to Ha Tinh, raising the risk of flooding when combined with high tide on September 29.
Rainfall of 100–300 mm is forecast for northern provinces and areas from Thanh Hoa to Hue City between September 27 and 30, with some locations possibly exceeding 600 mm. Authorities warned of flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas, and inundation in low-lying regions.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said Bualoi is especially dangerous due to its fast speed of 35–40 km/h and sustained intensity after crossing the Philippines. He said local authorities must act quickly as preparation time is limited.
The national disaster response committee ordered a ban on sea activities before noon on September 27. By that morning, nearly 68,000 vessels with 286,000 crew members had been directed to safe shelters. Over 240,000 soldiers and 4,000 rescue vehicles have been mobilized for emergency response.
Local preparations
In Ha Tinh, one of the provinces forecast to be hardest hit, authorities said they had learned from Kajiki’s widespread power outages. They have issued an emergency order, launching the highest-level storm response plan.
Protecting lives and property, especially in coastal and estuary areas, has been set as the top priority. All 3,983 vessels with 10,994 fishermen have returned to shore safely, and a sea ban took effect at 7:30 a.m. on September 27.
Evacuations of 6,556 households, or 15,706 residents, began at 1 p.m. on September 27 and must be completed before 9 a.m. on September 28. People are being relocated to schools, public offices, health stations, and solid high-rise buildings, with support from military and police forces.
In Quang Tri Province, local authorities ordered immediate preparations at sea, on islands, along the coast, and inland. Measures include reinforcing houses and infrastructure, reviewing evacuation plans, and readying rescue forces. As of 5 a.m. on September 27, 8,432 vessels with 22,368 fishermen had docked safely, while 145 vessels with 810 fishermen remained at sea but had moved out of the storm’s path.
Soldiers of the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command prepare equipment for storm response operations
Hydropower plants in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh have been instructed to regulate water levels in a way that reduces downstream flooding risks. Telecommunications operators pledged to maintain communications during the storm.
Bualoi comes after nine earlier storms and four tropical depressions formed in the East Sea this year. Superstorm Ragasa weakened before reaching Vietnam and caused no damage.
