Vietnam mobilizes army, aircraft for storm response
Over 346,000 troops and five aircraft mobilized as Vietnam braces for Typhoon Wipha in large-scale disaster preparedness efforts.
THE HANOI TIMES — Over 346,200 military personnel, along with approximately 8,200 vehicles and equipment, both on road and at sea, are prepared to respond to Typhoon Wipha.
Border guards and military personnel assist local residents in preparing for Typhoon Wipha (Storm No. 3). Photo: Hai Hung/ People’s Army of Vietnam.
The General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army has ordered all units to stand by, stay alert, and get ready to act when the storm hits. They must also prepare search and rescue operations.
Border guards in coastal provinces stretching from Quang Ninh to Dak Lak have warned 54,300 vessels carrying 227,200 crew members in the storm’s path, advising them to evacuate dangerous areas promptly.
These localities have also stepped up inspections of shelter zones and banned residents from staying on boats, floating cages, or aquaculture watch posts during the storm.
Military units have been tasked with reviewing emergency plans, reinforcing vulnerable structures, securing construction sites, evacuating residents from high-risk areas, and helping citizens fortify their homes to prevent damage.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 9:00 PM on July 22, the eye of the storm was near 20.2°N, 106.5°E, about 70 km southeast of Haiphong, 10 km east of Hung Yen, and 25 km northeast of Ninh Binh.
The maximum wind speed is forecast to reach Level 9 (75–88 km/h) with gusts up to Level 11.
The storm is expected to move west-southwest at 10-15 km/h in the next few hours.
