Wipha is heading toward the northern and north-central coastal provinces of Vietnam stretching from Quang Ninh and Hai Phong to Nghe An, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

The typhoon regained strength on the afternoon of July 21 with winds reaching between 87 – 100kph near its centre and is expected to further intensify as it approaches the coastal waters from southern Hai Phong city to northern Thanh Hoa province.

Although the typhoon’s eye was about 130 kilometers northeast of the coastline, strong winds reaching 88kph have already been recorded on Bach Long Vi Island of Hai Phong city in the afternoon and are forecast to continue strengthening overnight.

According to Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, analysis of satellite imagery over the past hours shows that Wipha has remained nearly stationary. If the storm slows down, its intensity will increase, leading to heavier rainfall.

"Based on data as of the afternoon of July 21, the forecast is that between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on July 22, the eye of Typhoon Wipha will make landfall in the area from southern Hai Phong city to northern Thanh Hoa province," said Khiem.

Local authorities are urgently implementing response measures, focusing on ensuring the safety of residents, vessels, and infrastructure.

Hanoi and provinces such as Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An are forecast to be the most heavily affected areas.

Widespread heavy rain is forecast across the northern region and the north-central provinces of Vietnam, especially in the northeastern region, the Red River Delta, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces, with rainfall totals ranging from 200 to 350 mm, and some areas possibly exceeding 600 mm.

Over the next three days, the capital city of Hanoi is anticipated to receive 100 to 200 mm of rain, with some areas potentially seeing up to 300 mm. Many streets in the city may be flooded, with water levels reaching 0.2 to 0.5 meters, and flooding is expected to last for approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

In coastal provinces, tens of thousands of vessels have returned to safe shelters. Restaurants and tourist sites have dismantled metal roofing and temporary structures to minimise damage from strong winds.

Local authorities have also urgently relocated residents from old apartment buildings and high-risk areas to safe shelters.

According to the National Civil Defence Steering Committee, the Ministry of National Defence has mobilised a total of 346,210 personnel along with 8,200 vehicles and equipment, including automobiles, ships, boats and canoes, specialised vehicles, and aircraft in response to typhoon Wipha.

Typhoon Wipha forces airport closures in northern Vietnam

VOV.VN - The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has decided to temporarily suspend flight operations at Van Don international airport in Quang Ninh province and Cat Bi international airport in Hai Phong city from 11:00 p.m. on July 21 to 12:00 p.m. on July 22 due to the impact of typhoon Wipha.