The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said on Friday that the tropical depression northwest of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands had strengthened into Storm Maysak.
At 4 a.m., the storm was centred about 17.3 degrees north and 110.1 degrees east, over waters northwest of the islands. It was packing sustained winds of 62-74 kph (39-46 mph) with gusts of up to 102 kph (63 mph) while moving west at around 10 kph (6 mph).
Forecasters said the storm was expected to reach waters off Quang Ninh and Haiphong by Sunday morning, maintaining its strength. A Level 3 natural disaster risk warning has been issued.
The city ordered local authorities to closely monitor the storm and implement the highest level of preparedness to protect lives and minimise property damage.
Evacuation plans are being reviewed for residents in low-lying, landslide-prone and unsafe housing areas, with priority given to older people, children, students and other vulnerable groups.
Coastal authorities were instructed to account for all fishing boats, vessels and aquaculture facilities, ensure they reach safe shelter, and prohibit anyone from remaining aboard boats or floating fish farms when the storm makes landfall.
All vessels and floating aquaculture facilities must reach safe shelter before noon on Saturday, while those in Bach Long Vi Special Zone must do so by midnight on Friday.
Authorities were also instructed to warn tourists and accommodation providers about the approaching storm and keep people away from coastal areas during hazardous conditions.
The Haiphong Border Guard Command was told to direct vessels operating at sea to safe shelter, maintain communication with fishing boats, tourist vessels and cargo ships, and respond promptly to emergencies.
The city's agriculture department was ordered to monitor the storm, inspect dykes and reservoirs, safeguard agricultural production and aquaculture, and prepare restrictions on river and sea activities if necessary.
Construction authorities were instructed to inspect transport infrastructure, ageing apartment buildings, construction sites, ports and public facilities, while ensuring drainage systems were ready to reduce flooding.
The city's tourism department was told to review storm preparedness at tourist sites, while the Haiphong Economic Zone Authority was instructed to ensure safety at industrial parks. Local media were asked to provide timely storm updates and safety advice.
The city also ordered government agencies and local authorities to maintain round-the-clock emergency operations and regular reporting throughout the storm.
