Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on July 20 issued an urgent dispatch ordering swift and decisive response to Typhoon Wipha, a powerful storm packing winds of level 12 and set to strike northern and north-central Vietnam from July 21 evening.

Typhoon Wipha's movement.

In the dispatch, the PM called for a coordination of ministries, including national defence, public security, agriculture, and environment, alongside local authorities in the storm’s path.

Emphasis was placed on absolute urgency and resolute action to protect lives and property of the public and the State, while minimising damage caused by the storm.

Chairpersons of the municipal and provincial People's Committees were directed to secure maritime activities, ensuring that all vessels, including fishing boats, cargo ships, and tourist vessels, are moved to safe harbours or out of danger zones before the storm makes landfall. Strict enforcement was mandated to ensure no one remains on board during the storm.

Localities were required to review and enforce safety protocols for marine tourism and aquaculture operations along the coast, estuaries, and offshore, including evacuating residents from floating fish cages. Depending on local conditions, they must impose bans on sea travel and activities involving fishing, cargo, and tourist vessels.

On land, cities and provinces must coordinate traffic management, restrict public movement during the storm, and deploy resources to keep major roads open.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment was directed closely monitor the storm, deliver timely and accurate updates, and coordinate local responses to protect irrigation systems, dikes, and agricultural production.

Other specific tasks were also assigned to relevant ministries, agencies and the mass media to keep the response tight.

Wipha, currently in the northern East Sea, packs gust up to level 15. According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, its rapid approach threatens heavy rainfall, flashfloods and landslides in mountainous and midland regions, and flooding in low-lying and urban areas.

Storm Wipha to hit South China Sea, strengthen near northern Vietnam

Storm Wipha is set to enter the East Sea, known internationlly as South China Sea, on July 19, with forecasts warning the storm will intensify as it moves closer to China's coastline.

Storm No.1 reaches gusts of level 13, located 140km east of Bach Long Vi Island

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 6:00 AM on June 14, the storm’s centre was located at approximately 20.1°N latitude and 109.0°E longitude, about 145km east of Bach Long Vi Island. The strongest winds near the centre were at level 10–11 (89–117km/h), with gusts reaching level 13.

 

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Wutip, the first storm arising in the East Sea so far this year, has caused widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage in central localities, prompting them to take urgent response measures.

 

Tropical depression intensifies into storm, to bring heavy rain to central Vietnam

A tropical depression formed over the East Sea strengthened into a storm after one day on Wednesday morning and is forecast to bring prolonged heavy rainfall across central and south-central Vietnam.

95 billion VND allocated to support storm victims

BAC GIANG - From voluntary donation for victims to overcome the consequences of storm No. 3, the Bac Giang Provincial Relief Mobilization Committee on December 18 allocated 95 billion VND (about 4 million USD) in the third period to support 7 districts and township.