Travel warning issued for Vietnam as Storm Wipha approaches

The UK Foreign Office has issued a warning for travellers to Vietnam as a typhoon approaching its northern coast is likely to cause disruption.

Storm Wipha was expected to make landfall today (Tuesday) and bring with it powerful winds and heavy rainfall, heightening the risk of flash flooding and landslides in northern Vietnam’s mountainous areas. 

Three people were killed as a result of the storm in the Philippines over the weekend and a tourist boat capsized in Ha Long Bay during a thunderstorm which preceded the typhoon, killing at least 37 people.

An estimated 350,000 Vietnamese soldiers are on standby as the country’s weather agency expects up to 20 inches of rainfall, which could cause dangerous flooding and landslides.

Expected to make landfall in Hung Yen and Ninh Binh provinces, located south of the capital, Hanoi, Wipha is forecast to weaken to a low-pressure event on Tuesday night local time, the agency said.

Floodwaters driven by torrential rains in the aftermath of Typhoon Wipha brought much of life in the Philippine capital, Manila, to a halt with tens of thousands evacuated from their homes and at least two people believed missing, according to local reports.

All tourist boat services in Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh have been suspended until further notice due to the storm.

Some flights have also been affected, with national carrier Vietnam Airlines and its affiliate Pacific Airlines cancelling numerous domestic services on Monday.

Budget carrier Vietjet has also been forced to modify its schedules, with passengers advised to monitor flight information to check the status of their departure.

The Foreign Office’s warning reads: “Storm Wipha is approaching northern Vietnam, with landfall forecast for Tuesday 22 July.

“Areas including Ha Long Bay, Ha Noi and Ninh Binh are forecast to be affected. You should expect heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding, and mudslides in affected areas in the days after landfall.

“You should expect travel disruption and should follow advice from local authorities.”