Vietnam shut airports and relocated thousands of individuals from storm-battered areas on Sunday, as Typhoon Bualoi intensified as it headed towards the nation. At least 10 were killed, and parts of the Philippines were flooded by the typhoon days earlier. Recent news updates show that the typhoon was producing winds of up to 133 kilometres per hour by Sunday morning and is projected to make landfall over central Vietnam at 1 am on Monday.
The national weather forecasting agency described this as a fast-moving storm, almost twice the normal velocity, with intense strength and a wide area of influence. They cautioned that it might cause several natural disasters simultaneously, such as strong winds, intense rains, floods, flash floods, landslides, and coastal inundation. Northern and central provinces are expected to receive as much as 600 millimetres of rain up to October 1, with rivers swelling 9 meters and flooding, and landsliding hazards.
Government Evacuates More than 15,000 Individuals as Storm Nears
Officials in Ha Tinh, a central province, began relocating more than 15,000 residents to safer zones, the government added, and thousands of troops were ready to assist. Residents in Vinh, capital of Nghe An province, where the typhoon would make landfall, were scrambling to board up homes, anchor boats, and pile sandbags or water-filled sacks onto roofs to shield their belongings from the typhoon.
Airports Shut Down and Schools Close Ahead of Typhoon
Vietnam suspended services at four coastal airports from Sunday, including Da Nang International Airport, and adjusted the departure time of a number of flights, the Civil Aviation Authority said. Schools in the hit region will be closed on Monday, with the closures possibly extended if needed, according to news portal VnExpress. Heavy rain has already flooded Hue and Quang Tri, the government added.
Residents Fear Another Devastating Storm After Recent Losses
Bui Thi Tuyet, a 41-year-old local, stated that they have already experienced losses from recent Typhoon Kajiki this year and have not yet recovered. She added that for the past 20 years, residing there, she never felt as frightened due to storms. Vietnam, with its long coastline that is exposed to the South China Sea, is frequently hit by typhoons that are usually fatal. Last year, Typhoon Yagi killed about 300 individuals and inflicted $3.3 billion of property loss.
News At Glance
- Vietnam shut four airports and evacuated more than 15,000 individuals as Typhoon Bualoi bears down with 133 km/h winds
- The storm is travelling twice as quickly as normal and may bring floods, landslides, and sea flooding
- Schools will be shut on Monday, and thousands of soldiers are on standby to assist with rescue operations
- The typhoon has already killed at least 10 individuals in the Philippines ahead of its move towards Vietnam
FAQs
1. When will the typhoon strike Vietnam?
Typhoon Bualoi is due to strike central Vietnam at 1 am on Monday.
2. How many individuals are being evacuated?
Over 15,000 individuals in Ha Tinh province are being evacuated, with thousands of soldiers on standby to assist.
3. Which airports were shut?
Vietnam shut operations at four coastal airports, including Da Nang International Airport.
4. How much rain is forecast?
Northern and central provinces can expect to receive as much as 600 millimetres of rain by October 1.
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