Central Vietnam is on high alert as the rapidly intensifying Typhoon Bualoi speeds toward its coastline, with landfall now anticipated late on Sunday, significantly earlier than previous predictions. The storm arrives just days after causing widespread flooding and at least ten confirmed deaths in the Philippines.
As of 0200 GMT on Sunday, Vietnam’s national weather forecast agency reported that the typhoon was packing powerful wind speeds of up to 133 km/h (83 mph). Authorities across the central region are racing against the clock to prepare for a severe impact from this fast-moving and intense storm.
The national weather agency issued a stark warning about the typhoon’s nature, noting its unusually high speed: “This is a rapidly moving storm – nearly twice the average speed – with strong intensity and a broad area of impact. It is capable of triggering multiple natural disasters simultaneously, including powerful winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, flash floods, landslides, and coastal inundation.”
In response to the escalating threat, Vietnamese authorities initiated large-scale preparations. The central province of Ha Tinh has begun evacuating over 15,000 residents from low-lying and high-risk areas. The government has also mobilised thousands of troops, who are on standby to assist with rescue and relief operations once the storm hits.
Transportation systems have been partially shut down as a precaution. Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority suspended operations at four coastal airports starting Sunday, including the major Danang International Airport. Several other flights have had their departure times adjusted.
Even before Bualoi’s arrival, the effects of the heavy rainfall associated with the storm have already caused flooding in the provinces of Hue and Quang Tri, according to government reports.
Vietnam, with its extensive coastline facing the South China Sea (known as the East Sea in Vietnam), is highly susceptible to deadly typhoons. The memory of last year’s devastating Typhoon Yagi, which claimed approximately 300 lives and inflicted an estimated $3.3 billion in property damage, underscores the gravity of the current situation.