According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the tropical depression recorded sustained wind speeds of 50–61 kph, with gusts reaching 75–88 kph in areas across Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces.

Storm Wipha toppled a fishing boat on the Chanh River in Quang Ninh Province, July 22, 2025.

Explaining why the storm, despite not being particularly strong at landfall, maintained level high intensity for nearly nine hours, Nguyen Van Huong, head of the center’s Weather Forecasting Department, said Wipha was fueled by the tropical convergence zone, which helped sustain its energy.

He added that when the storm first entered the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), it was pushed along quickly by the subtropical high ridge. But as it entered the Gulf of Tonkin, the ridge weakened, causing the storm to slow down.

"Since Tuesday afternoon, Wipha has been moving very slowly," Huong added. "Because it didn’t move far inland, it retained its strength longer, resulting in extended periods of strong coastal winds."

From 1 p.m. Monday to noon Tuesday, Wipha brought strong winds to coastal areas in northern and north-central Vietnam. The highest wind speeds on land were recorded at Tien Yen station in Quang Ninh Province, at 89–102 kph. Other coastal stations in the province also reported intense winds.

Elsewhere, Thai Binh saw 50–61 kph winds; Ba Lat in Hung Yen and Hon Dau in Hai Phong at 62–74 kph.

Between 7 a.m. Monday and 1 p.m. Tuesday, Wipha dumped 100–200 mm of rain across northern provinces, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An—with many areas exceeding 300 mm.

The highest rainfall was recorded in Nga Son (Thanh Hoa) at 412 mm, followed by Sam Son (379 mm), Trieu Son (336 mm), and Nhu Thanh (327 mm). Stations Hai Anh, Giao Linh, and Tam Diep in Ninh Binh Province each recorded over 260 mm.

The storm also triggered sea waves up to 3.5 meters high at Bach Long Vi Island (Hai Phong) at 7 p.m. on Monday and 2.5 meters at Co To Island (Quang Ninh) at 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Storm surges reached 0.6 meters at Hon Dau (Hai Phong) and 0.8 meters at Ba Lat (Hung Yen) around 10 a.m.

Although Wipha has weakened, its remnants and the tropical convergence zone are expected to continue bringing widespread rain. Forecasts predict 20–40 mm of rainfall in Lao Cai, Son La, and Ha Tinh, with localized totals exceeding 70 mm.

Heavier downpours of 40–60 mm, potentially surpassing 180 mm in some areas, are expected in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and southern Phu Tho. These areas, particularly mountainous regions in Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, also face a high risk of flash floods and landslides.

So far this year, three storms have formed in the South China Sea, with two impacting Vietnam. Meteorologists expect around seven more storms to develop by October, three of which are likely to reach mainland areas.

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority reported that nearly 11,800 people had been evacuated due to Storm Wipha. This includes nearly 5,000 evacuees in Hai Phong and over 4,700 in Ninh Binh. An additional 730 people in Thanh Hoa and Nghe An were displaced due to flooding and landslide threats.

Preliminary damage assessments show 79 houses in Nghe An had their roofs blown off. More than 107,000 hectares of rice fields were flooded, with Ninh Binh accounting for over 74,000 hectares. Several dike failures were also reported in Da Phuc Commune in Hanoi, Nghia Son Commune in Ninh Binh, and Hoang Chau Commune in Thanh Hoa.

PM sounds alarm as Typhoon Wipha nears Vietnam

In the dispatch, the PM called for a coordination of ministries, including national defence, public security, agriculture, and environment, alongside local authorities in the storm’s path. Emphasis was placed on absolute urgency and resolute action to protect lives and property of the public and the State, while minimising damage caused by the storm.

 

Vietnam Airline Group cancels flights as Typhoon Wipha nears

Vietnam Airlines Group has adjusted flights on July 21 and warned of potential delays through July 22 due to the approaching Typhoon Wipha, prioritising passenger and crew safety.

 

Close monitoring and timely response to Typhoon Wipha

On July 19, the Prime Minister issued Telegram No. 112/CD-TTg, directing ministries, sectors, and localities to focus efforts on responding to Storm No. 3 (Typhoon Wipha), which has entered the East Sea (South China Sea), bringing heavy rainfall and posing risks of flash floods, landslides, and inundation.

 

Coastal provinces ban vessels as storm Wipha nears Vietnam

Vietnam's coastal provinces have prohibited vessels from going out to sea as Storm Wipha barrels down and is expected to make landfall before Tuesday, bringing rough seas and heavy rains.

Deputy PM demands human lives safety as storm Wipha nears

Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha ordered round-the-clock operations across ministries, agencies, and local authorities, with decisions guided by hourly updates and three-hour forecasts from the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.