The roof of a garage in Ninh Binh Province is blown off by strong winds on July 22.
Speaking to Dantri/Dtinews, Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said the storm is expected to continue moving west-southwest throughout the afternoon and evening, gradually weakening.
The typhoon's circulation is forecast to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces through July 22, with widespread rainfall ranging from 100 to 200 mm, and some areas exceeding 300 mm.
As the storm's cloud bands are concentrated in the southern and southwestern quadrants, northern localities, including Hanoi and northeastern provinces, are likely to experience reduced rainfall compared to the previous night.
On the early morning of July 22, clear skies and brief sunshine in neighbouring Haiphong City prompted many locals to head to Do Son Beach to take photos, even as Typhoon Wipha approached the coast with dangerous winds. Authorities have since blocked access to the beach to prevent accidents.
A man takes photo at the Do Son Beach in Haiphong City on the early morning of July 22
According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 4 am on July 22, the typhoon's centre was located about 70 km east of Haiphong, with sustained winds of level 10 and gusts reaching level 13. While the city remained dry, strong gusts blew through coastal areas, and occasional rays of sunlight flickered over the sea.
Powerful winds battered trees and blew down branches and roadside signs along Do Son's coastal roads. Although no rain had fallen, wind conditions worsened by the hour, prompting local authorities to install barricades along beachside routes beginning the evening of July 21 to restrict access to high-risk zones.
Tree branches fall in Haiphong
Speaking to Dantri/Dtinews, Pham Hoang Tuan, Vice Chairman of Do Son Ward's People's Committee, stated that around 700 tourists were still staying in the area, indicating that some local activities continued to serve guests. As such, authorities had not yet imposed a complete movement ban.
"We're monitoring Typhoon Wipha closely and will adjust measures as the situation develops," Tuan said.
Despite warnings, some residents and tourists were still seen at the beach taking pictures or sightseeing. In response, Do Son authorities have stationed guards at key access points to stop people from approaching the shore.
