Hanoi on high alert as typhoon Wipha approaches

THE HANOI TIMES — Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh has asked local agencies and authorities to take swift and thorough preparations to minimize potential damage from Storm No. 3, internationally known as Wipha.

According to the latest update from the Northern Regional Hydrometeorological Center, Hanoi will begin to feel the impact of Storm No. 3 in the form of strong winds on the night of July 21. In the northern and western parts of the city, wind speeds are expected to reach Beaufort scale levels 4–5 (20–38 km/h), with gusts reaching level 6 (up to 49 km/h). In the southern part of the city and the city center, gusts may reach levels 7–8 (50–74 km/h).

The weather agency estimates that at least two-thirds wards and communes could be affected by these strong winds, which could cause trees to fall and damage to houses and traffic infrastructure, posing a threat to human life.

Deputy Director of the Northern Regional Hydrometeorological Center, Nguyen Van Hiep, noted that Hanoi is also likely to experience moderate to heavy rain, and in some places very heavy rain with thunderstorms, from July 21 to 23.

Rainfall in the northern part of the city is expected to range from 80 to 150 millimeters, with some areas experiencing over 200 millimeters. In the central, southern and western wards and communes, rainfall could range from 100 to 200 millimeters, with some locations receiving over 300 millimeters.

"Such intense rainfall can overwhelm the city's drainage system, leading to flooding in residential areas and causing traffic disruptions. Short, heavy downpours may also trigger landslides in mountainous areas,” said Hiep.

In response to the storm threat, Hanoi authorities are maintaining a high level of readiness. The city mayor’s directive has urged round-the-clock monitoring and the rapid deployment of emergency measures across all 126 wards and communes.

Local authorities are required to report regularly and immediately on storm-related developments and disaster response efforts. They are also accountable for disaster preparedness and rescue operations within their jurisdictions.

Ward and commune leaders have been instructed to closely follow weather warnings and forecasts and provide residents with timely updates and guidance.

Emergency teams are inspecting vulnerable areas, including riverside and low-lying neighborhoods at risk of flooding, landslides and flash floods.

Plans are also in place to maintain sanitation and prevent disease outbreaks in the event of prolonged rain or flooding. Authorities are visiting every household in high-risk areas to detect warning signs early and prepare for possible evacuations.

In Da Phuc, Hoang Thi Ha, Vice Chairwoman of the Commune People's Committee, confirmed that local authorities are mobilizing emergency teams, equipment and supplies and maintaining a constant state of readiness.

Da Phuc is one of many wards and communes across the city that are closely monitoring the storm’s progression and rainfall risks.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, Nguyen Manh Quyen, stressed the importance of a rapid, decisive and effective response to avoid being caught off guard, particularly in the event of heavy rain and potential flooding.

“The top priority is to protect lives and property,” stated the city’s senior official.

He also urged a careful review of all residential areas to identify unsafe locations and prepare for timely evacuations.

The authorities are expected to manage traffic during storm-related events, particularly around flooded roads, low-lying areas and zones at risk of landslides.