Storm Wipha unleashes heavy rains, flooding after making landfall in northern Vietnam

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has reported that Storm Wipha is moving over the Hung Yen–Ninh Binh region, maintaining winds of 62-74 kph with no immediate signs of weakening.

As of 1:30 p.m., satellite images, lightning detection data, and weather radar indicate a cloud band along the northern edge of the typhoon’s circulation lingering over Hanoi outskirts. This cloud band is moving in tandem with the storm.

Over the next four hours, these inner-city areas are expected to experience rain, showers, and possible thunderstorms. The storm system may expand to other wards as well. Residents should remain alert for tornadoes, lightning, and strong gusts of wind during this period.

Starting at around 12:30 p.m., a thunderstorm with strong winds and torrential rain hit the coastal area near the Ruined Church tourist site in Ninh Binh Province, which was formerly Nam Dinh.

Waves continuously crashed against the base of the church, forming columns of water 4–5 meters high. The seawater overflowed, flooding the church base by over half a meter. Strong winds drove waves ashore, toppling many sandbags locals had placed as barriers.

By nearly 1 p.m., the wind remained strong, and the sea was extremely rough. Some beachfront restaurants were struck by waves that smashed against their glass doors, letting water flow inside.

A beachfront restaurant hit by waves that splashed through its glass doors in Ninh Binh. Photo by Pham Chieu

Waves crash violently beside the Ruined Church, an abandoned church in Ninh Binh that is a popular tourist site for its unique, eroded beauty. Photo by Pham Chieu

Waves reaching heights of 4–5 meters next to the Ruined Church. Photo by Pham Chieu

Locals stack more sandbags to block the waves. Photo by Pham Chieu

Heavy rains have battered the north central province of Thanh Hoa, causing flooding in multiple areas after storm Wipha made landfall in northern Vietnam.

In Hoang Tien Commune, near the coast, strong winds and rain have pounded the tin roofs of many homes.

"Since early morning, no one in the neighborhood has dared to go outside for fear of being struck by flying tin roofs or tarpaulins," said Tran Duy Khanh, a local resident.

The downpour has severely flooded several streets in Hac Thanh Ward, in central Thanh Hoa City, as well as low-lying coastal neighborhoods. In some areas, floodwaters have risen to between 70 and 80 cm.

People wade through floodwaters in Van Loc Commune of Thanh Hoa Province. Photo by Le Hoang

A man moves through a flooded street in Thanh Hoa. Photo by Le Hoang

Streets in Hac Thanh Ward in downtown Thanh Hoa are inundated. Photo by Le Hoang

Floodwaters in in Hac Thanh Ward in downtown Thanh Hoa. Photo by Le Hoang

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that heavy rainfall occurred in Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces in north central Vietnam over the past 18 hours, from 4 p.m. on Monday to 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Rainfall reached 229 mm in Xuan Khanh, 218 mm in Trieu Son, and 203 mm in Thach Quang (Thanh Hoa); and 161 mm in Chau Nga and 157 mm in Tay Hieu (Nghe An).

The prolonged downpour has saturated the soil. In the next 3–6 hours, an additional 50–100 mm of rain is expected, with some areas potentially receiving over 200 mm. This raises the risk of flash floods and landslides in hundreds of communes across the two provinces.

The storm made landfall along the coastline between Hung Yen and Ninh Binh provinces at 10 a.m. with winds of 64–102 kph, gusting up to 138 kph.

After making landfall, in the next 3 hours, the storm will move southwest at a speed of 10-15 kph.

The storm has caused blackouts in some areas in Hung Yen Province, where people have flocked to gas stations to buy fuel for their generators.

People in Hung Yen buy gasoline for their power generators after Storm Wipha caused blackouts. Photo by Pham Chieu

At Do Son Beach in Hai Phong, strong winds and powerful waves have been crashing against the shore, as sea levels rose. The Do Son Ward People’s Committee has established checkpoints to prevent residents from accessing coastal areas.

Residents have evacuated and restricted travel to ensure safety. Sea levels are expected to peak around 10 a.m., potentially leading to flooding along some coastal roads.

This region was heavily impacted by Typhoon Yagi in September last year, the most powerful storm to hit the South China Sea in 30 years.

Do Son Beach in Hai Phong is experiencing large waves, and all boats have moved to safe anchorages. Photo by Le Tan

Do Son Ward’s storm prevention force set up multiple checkpoints early in the morning to keep residents away from dangerous areas. Photo by Le Tan

Winds began picking up at around 8 a.m. Photo by Le Tan

The entire coastal route in Do Son has been closed off to ensure safety. Photo by Le Tan

The Japan Meteorological Agency predicts the storm will pass through what was formerly Thai Binh Province (now part of Hung Yen) and the former Nam Dinh Province (now part of Ninh Binh), with peak wind speeds reaching 108 kph. The Hong Kong Observatory offers a similar forecast but estimates maximum wind speeds at 90 kph.

Coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Nghe An are expected to experience sustained winds of 50–74 kph, with gusts reaching 75–102 kph near the storm’s center.

Inland cities and provinces, including Hanoi, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Thanh Hoa, will see winds of 39–49 kph, with gusts up to 50–74 kph. Gusts between 75–102 kph may cause significant damage, such as uprooted trees, toppled power poles, and damaged roofs.

From early this morning through Wednesday, the northern delta region, including Hanoi, and the central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An are forecast to receive 200–300 mm of rain, with localized totals exceeding 500 mm.

Other northern areas and central Ha Tinh Province are expected to receive 70–150 mm of rainfall, with some areas seeing over 250 mm. In certain locations, more than 150 mm of rain may fall within a three-hour period, posing risks of flash floods and landslides.