Vietnam Responds to Typhoon Wipha: Mobilization Against Severe Storm Threat

On July 19, 2025, Vietnam’s Prime Minister issued Directive No. 112/CD-TTg, calling on all ministries, agencies, and affected provinces to urgently prepare for Typhoon Wipha – Vietnam’s third and potentially most dangerous storm this year.

FIND BUSINESS SUPPORT

We can help you prepare your business for the typhoon season

With wind speeds projected to reach level 12 (133–149 km/h), Wipha is forecast to severely impact coastal and inland areas from Quang Ninh to Ha Tinh between July 21 and 23.

The directive has been sent to relevant ministerial offices and agencies. The localities which received the warning include: Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, and Hanoi.

High-risk weather event with wide-scale impact

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), Typhoon Wipha has strengthened rapidly after entering the South China Sea, also called the East Sea. As of July 19, the storm had reached category 10 intensity, with gusts up to level 12.

It is expected to intensify further, making landfall along the northern coast between Quang Ninh and Thanh Hoa by July 21 or 22. Forecasts warn of torrential rainfall exceeding 600 mm in some areas and widespread flooding risks in the Red River Delta and northern central provinces.

Vice Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasized the storm’s complexity and danger, noting its fast-moving nature but prolonged proximity to land, which increases the potential for damage. Authorities were instructed to avoid complacency and ensure round-the-clock emergency response and communication systems remain fully operational.

Forecast on Typhoon Wipha’s developments in Vietnam

The typhoon is expected to have a broad impact, moving west and south. It is likely to affect most of the northeastern region, parts of the northwest, and north-central Vietnam.

Emergency measures and preparedness mandates

Provincial and municipal authorities to take the lead

Under the directive, all the provincial and municipal authorities in the North and North Central Regions have been instructed to:

• Monitor weather developments: Maintain close tracking of the storm’s path and issue timely updates to local communities.
• Evacuation protocols: Identify and evacuate residents in high-risk zones such as coastal areas, mountainous regions prone to landslides, and urban areas with poor drainage. Prepare evacuation centers, food, water, and necessities for impacted residents.
• Infrastructure protection: Safeguard critical assets including industrial parks, public infrastructure, telecommunications, and the national power grid.
• Tourism safety: Ensure the safety of domestic and foreign tourists in coastal and island destinations.
• Transport control: Prohibit vessel departures from ports in vulnerable areas, particularly in Quang Ninh and neighboring provinces.
• Flood defense: Accelerate repairs on dike systems and prepare “four-on-the-spot” contingency plans (local command, resources, materials, and logistics).
• Hydropower and reservoir oversight: Strengthen inspection and monitoring of high-risk dams and unfinished infrastructure.

Additionally, coastal cities and provinces have been directed to:

FIND BUSINESS SUPPORT

Seamlessly Manage Your Operations Across Multiple Asian Markets

• Closely monitor the typhoon’s developments;
• Direct and implement the registration and guidance of vessels, ensuring the safety of all ships and watercraft (including tourist boats) operating at sea and along the coast, enabling them to exit dangerous areas or seek safe shelter proactively; and
• Maintain readiness of personnel and equipment for timely rescue and emergency response as needed.

See also: Vietnam Officially Consolidates from 63 to 34 Provinces and Cities

Role of relevant ministries

Several ministries are also involved in preparing efforts for the typhoon response, as follows:

• Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is overseeing dike safety and ensuring continuous weather monitoring and public communication;
• Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Public Security have deployed military and police units for disaster response and rescue operations;
• Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Construction are coordinating sector-specific emergency protocols, particularly around power generation, water supply, and transportation infrastructure; and
• National Media Agencies is disseminating clear, accessible safety guidance and real-time updates through all major broadcasting platforms.

National meteorological infrastructure enhanced

To support real-time data and communication, the Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration has intensified its observation schedule. Starting July 20:

• Marine observation stations in the Gulf of Tonkin are monitoring conditions every 30 minutes.
• Major coastal and inland stations in the North and North-Central regions, including Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh, are on 30-minute intervals.
• Mobile meteorological units have been deployed to Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Hung Yen.
• Satellite phones have been issued to critical stations to ensure communication during power or network outages.

Business considerations

Investors with operations in northern Vietnam, particularly in logistics, tourism, manufacturing, and aquaculture, should brace for disruptions from July 21 to 24. Storm-related impacts could include:

FIND BUSINESS SUPPORT

Boost Your Growth by Expanding into Asia’s Rapidly Growing Markets

• Temporary shutdowns of industrial parks;
• Suspension of port activity and shipping lanes in the Gulf of Tonkin;
• Possible inland transport bottlenecks due to flooding and road damage; and
• Power and communication interruptions in coastal provinces.

Firms are advised to review their disaster risk management protocols, ensure workforce safety, and maintain regular contact with local authorities. Special attention should be paid to regions with underdeveloped infrastructure or a high concentration of labor-intensive operations.

• Previous Article Strategic HR & Payroll Management in Vietnam – New Publication Out
• Next Article Vietnam’s Strategic Approach to US Tariffs: Supporting Industries in Focus