Vietnam Prepares Northern Coastlines as Typhoon Wipha Nears

Vietnam is bracing for Typhoon Wipha, expected to hit the northern coast with heavy rains, strong winds, and the potential for severe flooding and landslides. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued urgent directives to coastal provinces to secure vessels, evacuate residents from flood-prone and marine areas, and prepare rescue resources and communication infrastructure. Authorities are coordinating across ministries to enforce safety protocols, restrict public movement during the storm, and protect critical infrastructure such as dikes and irrigation systems. The storm's anticipated impacts include dangerous sea conditions with waves up to 3.5 meters, complicating marine traffic and ongoing search efforts for missing persons from a recent boat capsizing in Halong Bay. Officials are also closely monitoring reservoir safety and managing water discharge to protect downstream communities, with state media tasked to provide timely updates to the public. Neighboring countries, including Thailand, have issued advisories for their nationals in the affected Vietnamese provinces.