Tropical storm Wipha, the third to strike Vietnam this year, is forecast to cause heavy rains, whirlwinds and flood in the northeastern and central regions, including Hanoi since Friday night, according to Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) Mai Van Khiem.The center’s director said that the storm is projected to hit inland areas of northern localities from Quang Ninh to Hai Phong on August 2 and 3.
Wipha’s path on August 2. Photo: NCHMF
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From the evening of August 2, northern and north-central provinces, particularly Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, will experience heavy rain. Flood is expected due to rising water levels and may cause inundation in the river basins in the northern region as well as the central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An.
Flash flood, landslide and flooding are forecast for mountainous provinces in the northern and north-central coast regions, particularly Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Hoa Binh, Son La, Lai Chau, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An.
The storm is forecast to make landfall at 18:00 on August 2 and later weaken to a tropical depression as it moves further inland, Khiem said.
He stressed that due to the impact of Wipha, heavy rains are expected to pummel the provinces in the northern and north-central regions with rainfall ranging between 100-300mm, and even 400mm in several locations.
In the capital of Hanoi, the storm will also bring heavy rains and thunderstorms. It is forecast that Hanoi will not be hammered by Wipha's strongest winds, but the city and surrounding areas will be at risk of being flooded in some areas due to torrential rain from Friday night to early Sunday with 100-200mm.
Heavy rainfall will be the gravest concern with Wipha as downpours can lead to flash flooding and mudslides to the capital, Khiem noted.
The NCHMF’s leader also warned about the risk of flash floods, especially in the northern mountainous provinces.
General Director of the General Department of Natural Disaster Prevention Tran Quang Hoai said that it is expected that around 18:00 today, the storm will hit Quang Ninh and Thai Binh provinces.
Authorities in Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Nam Dinh have prepared a range of safety measures to deal with the incoming storm. Fishing and tourism boats have been urged to keep track on the storm, come back to the shore or seek shelter.
The national disaster management agency had asked the localities on Wipha’s path to guide ships to safe shelter, ensure the safety of tourists on islands and impose a sea ban if necessary.
The agency also called for measures to secure the dyke system and reservoirs, and to prepare human and material resources to promptly respond in the event of disasters.
