Vietnam Braces for Typhoon Wipha: Preparations and Impacts in the Region
As Typhoon Wipha approaches Vietnam’s northern coast, meteorological forecasts predict up to 500mm of rainfall, prompting urgent preparations across the region. Having recently skirted the Philippines, where the storm has tragically resulted in the loss of five lives and left several individuals unaccounted for, Wipha is now projected to make landfall imminently.
As of 6 AM local time on Tuesday, Wipha was recorded about 60 kilometers (37 miles) off the coast of Haiphong City, with wind speeds reaching up to 102 kph (63 mph). Moving southwest at 15 kph (9.3 mph), the typhoon’s trajectory suggests it will impact Hung Yen and Ninh Binh provinces, situated south of the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi.
In response to the looming threat, approximately 350,000 soldiers are on standby, prepared to support disaster response efforts as the national weather agency warns of potentially dangerous flooding and landslides. Notably, no casualties or significant damage have been reported in Vietnam thus far, showcasing the country’s preparedness and resilience in the face of natural calamities.
Simultaneously, the Philippines continues to grapple with the aftermath of Typhoon Wipha, where torrential rains have caused widespread flooding, particularly in the capital, Manila. Over the weekend, heavy rainfall led to the Marikina River exceeding its banks, displacing tens of thousands of residents. Schools and government offices in Manila and neighboring provinces have been forced to close, with more than 23,000 individuals seeking refuge in shelters such as schools and municipal buildings.
Tragically, an elderly woman and her driver were swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross a bridge, spotlighting the urgent need for effective public safety measures during extreme weather events. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in the Philippines has confirmed five fatalities and additional injuries related to Wipha, underscoring the storm’s severe impact on the region.
As climate change intensifies the frequency and strength of storms, the Philippines, which encounters around 20 typhoons or storms annually, remains particularly vulnerable. Historically, the country’s poorer regions tend to bear the brunt of these natural disasters, revealing the urgent need for sustainable development and equitable disaster readiness plans.
This latest incident serves as a critical reminder of the need for international cooperation and preparedness in the face of climate-related challenges, emphasizing the importance of robust infrastructure and community resilience strategies.
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