The warning was issued by Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, at a July 18 meeting of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.

According to Khiem, Wipha has strengthened significantly this afternoon, with sustained winds of 62–88km/h. The storm is currently moving west-northwest at around 20km/h and is expected to enter the East Sea early on July 19, becoming the third typhoon to reach these waters this year.

Khiem noted that Wipha’s projected path closely resembles that of Typhoon Yagi. As such, localities must stay alert and prepare response plans, with the storm expected to make landfall carrying wind speeds of up to level 11.

In terms of intensity, the storm could reach level 12 with gusts up to level 15 in the sea area east of China’s Hainan Island. As it moves into the Gulf of Tonkin, wind intensity over Vietnam’s mainland may reach around level 10.

The typhoon is forecast to enter the Gulf of Tonkin on the morning of July 21 and begin affecting Vietnam’s mainland later that day. Heavy rainfall is expected from July 21 to 24 across northern and central regions. However, if the storm shifts further north toward China’s Guangxi coast, its impact on Vietnam may lessen.

Khiem emphasized that as of now, the storm has not yet entered the East Sea and forecasts may change. Residents are advised to stay updated through official weather bulletins.

He also warned that another storm could follow shortly after Wipha, moving northward and bringing extended rainfall between July 24 and 25.

At the meeting, experts stressed the need for localities to act swiftly, securing anchorage for fishing vessels, safeguarding aquaculture facilities, and organizing timely evacuations to avoid damage similar to that caused by Typhoon Yagi.

Wipha floods streets after landing in northern Vietnam

Storm Wipha weakened into a tropical depression on Saturday after making landfall in Quang Ninh Province Friday night with winds of up to 75kph.