HANOI/MANILA (TDI): Tropical storm Wipha battered northern Vietnam while flooding triggered by the storm left five people dead and displaced thousands over the week in the Philippines.
In Vietnam, Wipha made landfall bringing sustained winds reaching 102km/h and torrential rain. As a result, coastal and low-lying provinces, such as Hung Yen, Haiphong, and Quang Ninh, saw widespread power outages.
Also, numerous schools and businesses closed as airports and sea ports halted operations to reduce risk. The government activated a major emergency effort: nearly 350,000 soldiers were put on high alert and local authorities rescued residents in flood-prone areas.
In Hanoi, streets emptied as officials urged citizens to stay indoors and avoid travel. Massive aquaculture farms spanning thousands of acres are also threatened by rising rivers and high winds.
However, no casualties or damage have been reported in Vietnam so far as the country’s weather agency expects up to 500mm of rainfall, which could result in horrendous flooding and landslides.
Read More: ‘The Wonder Sea Boat’ Capsizes in Vietnam – 37 Dead, 5 Missing
In the Philippines, as per the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, five people have been reportedly killed and at least another five were reported injured following typhoon Wipha.
The Philippines faces around 20 storms or typhoons each year. This brings serious damage in particular to the poorest regions which are hit the hardest with homes, farms, and roads often swept away by floods or strong winds.
In recent years, their impact has become more deadly and destructive as climate change is enhancing their intensity.
Earlier this year, Super Typhoon Yagi tore through Vietnam, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Around 300 people were killed and damages were estimated at over $3.3 billion, making it one of the deadliest storms in the Southeast Asian region’s recent history.
