Tropical Storm Wipha Hits Vietnam as Philippine Floods Displace Thousands

Storm causes fatalities in the Philippines, disrupts life in Vietnam, and prompts mass evacuations

Tone & Political Bias: Center-Leaning

Why: The report is presented in a fact-based, neutral tone without editorializing or partisan commentary. It relies on official sources and avoids speculation.

Storm Makes Landfall in Vietnam

Tropical Storm Wipha made landfall in northern Vietnam on Tuesday morning, after being downgraded from a typhoon. The storm brought strong winds of up to 102km/h (63mph) and heavy rainfall, prompting the Vietnamese government to mobilize emergency services and close key infrastructure.

The storm struck land at approximately 10 am local time (03:00 GMT), moving southwest after reaching the coast. The Vietnam National Weather Forecast Agency stated that the storm is expected to weaken into a low-pressure system by Tuesday night.

Widespread Disruption in Vietnam

Authorities reported no casualties or major damage in Vietnam as of Tuesday, but precautionary measures were taken across northern provinces. Power outages were reported in Hung Yen province, located east of the capital, Hanoi. Residents queued at petrol stations to purchase fuel for backup generators.

In Hanoi, streets remained largely deserted as businesses shut down and authorities urged residents to remain indoors, especially in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides. Flights were canceled throughout northern Vietnam, with airports in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces closed due to the storm.

State media reports also indicate that nearly 150,000 hectares of aquaculture farms and more than 20,000 floating fish cages are at risk. An estimated 350,000 Vietnamese soldiers have been placed on standby to assist in flood and landslide emergencies. Up to 500mm (about 20 inches) of rainfall is expected in some areas.

Wipha’s Deadly Impact on the Philippines

While Vietnam has so far avoided fatalities, Wipha’s earlier path through the Philippines resulted in deadly flooding and widespread displacement. At least five people were confirmed dead by Monday, according to the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The fatalities occurred over the weekend as the storm brought torrential rains across Luzon, the country’s most populous island. Seven people remain missing, and at least five others were injured.

In Manila, floodwaters caused the Marikina River to overflow, forcing evacuations. More than 23,000 residents living along the riverbanks were moved to temporary shelters, including schools and community centers.

An additional 25,000 people were evacuated in Quezon and Caloocan cities.

Schools and government offices were closed across the capital and surrounding areas. Search and rescue teams were deployed to locate missing persons, including an elderly woman and her driver who were swept away while attempting to cross a bridge in Caloocan.

Climate Context and Regional Vulnerability

The Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons or storms annually. Many of these storms hit impoverished areas hardest and have become more severe in recent years due to climate change.

Earlier this year, Super Typhoon Yagi struck Vietnam, killing nearly 300 people and causing an estimated $3.3 billion in damage. While Wipha has not yet caused destruction on that scale, its impact highlights the continued vulnerability of Southeast Asia to extreme weather events.

Ongoing Monitoring

Vietnamese authorities remain on high alert as the remnants of Wipha move inland. Warnings remain in effect for floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous and coastal areas. The Philippine government continues to assess the damage and assist displaced populations.

Emergency operations and search efforts are ongoing in affected regions. This is a developing story, and both countries are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.