Vietnam steps up storm response as Typhoon Wipha nears northern coast

THE HANOI TIMES — Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on July 19 issued Directive 112, calling on coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Quang Ngai to urgently prepare for Typhoon Wipha, the third storm to hit Vietnam this year.

Under the directive, these provinces must closely monitor the storm's movements, and ensure the safety of vessels, especially tourist boats and other watercraft.

Local authorities must guide all ships away from danger zones and into safe harbors. They must also get personnel and equipment prepared and ready for rescue and emergency operations.

In northern and north-central regions, local governments must keep informing residents about the storm, and instruct them to protect themselves from strong winds, flash floods, landslides, and flooding.

Evacuation plans must be ready for households in high-risk areas, especially along the coast, in floodplains, and in landslide-prone zones.

Temporary shelters and essential supplies such as food and water must be arranged for evacuees, along with safety measures for tourists on islands and coastal areas.

The directive also called for securing homes, public buildings, warehouses, factories, power grids, and telecommunications infrastructure.

Recently damaged dikes must be repaired, and flood defense plans must be prepared according to the "four-on-the-spot" principle, which involves on-site leadership, forces, supplies, and logistics.

Provincial authorities were told to safeguard people and vehicles in low-lying areas, flooded roads, and fast-flowing streams, while keeping major transportation routes clear during heavy rains.

Special attention is required for vulnerable construction sites, small reservoirs at full capacity, and key flood-control facilities to ensure the safety of downstream areas, and drain water from farmland, industrial zones, and residential areas.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is tasked to monitor and update information on storms, flooding, and natural disasters to authorities and the public, and with ensuring the safety of dikes and irrigation reservoirs to minimize agricultural losses.

The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security are directed to prepare troops and equipment to assist residents and support emergency and rescue efforts if needed.

The Ministries of Industry and Trade, Construction, and Science and Technology, and other government agencies must ensure the safety of power and water systems, hydropower dams, transportation, and telecommunications infrastructure.

National broadcasters and news agencies, including Vietnam Television, the Voice of Vietnam, and the Vietnam News Agency, must provide timely updates and public service announcements about storm developments and safety instructions.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha was assigned to directly oversee the emergency response across ministries and localities.

On July 19, Typhoon Wipha entered the East Sea, reaching wind levels of category 10, with gusts up to category 12. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the storm could intensify to category 12 with gusts as strong as category 15.

Coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Thanh Hoa are forecast to be directly impacted beginning July 21. Heavy rain and strong winds are also expected in northern and north-central provinces, including Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh.

Earlier that same day, a tragic boating accident occurred in Ha Long Bay of Quang Ninh Province as a tourist vessel carrying 48 passengers and five crew members capsized during a sudden storm. The storm caused widespread rain and property damage across northern Vietnam.

As soon as the boat overturned, border guards, emergency forces, and local residents launched rescue operations. By around 5 AM on July 20, the sunken vessel had been salvaged and brought to Cai Lan Port in Quang Ninh Province.

Rescue teams recovered 47 people from the incident, with 37 confirmed dead and 10 survivors.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh assigned Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to directly oversee the rescue efforts and visit the families of the victims.