Vietnam closed airports and evacuated thousands of people in areas under storm threat as intensifying Typhoon Bualoi barrelled towards the country, days after causing at least 10 deaths and widespread flooding in the Philippines.
The typhoon was generating winds of up to 133 kilometres per hour and is forecast to make landfall in central Vietnam today, slowing as it nears the coast.
The National Weather Forecast Agency said, This is a rapidly moving storm, nearly twice the average speed, with strong intensity and a broad area of impact. It said the storm is capable of triggering multiple natural disasters simultaneously, including powerful winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, flash floods, landslides, and coastal inundation.
Northern and central provinces may see up to 600 mm of rain till Wednesday, with rivers rising by 9 meters and risks of flooding and landslides. Authorities in the central province of Ha Tinh have started to evacuate more than 15,000 people with thousands of troops on standby. Residents in Vinh, capital of Nghe An province, where the typhoon is expected to make landfall, were rushing to secure homes, tie down boats, and stack sandbags or water-filled sacks on rooftops.
Vietnam suspended operations at four coastal airports yesterday, including Da Nang International Airport, and adjusted the departure time of several flights. Schools in the typhoon-affected area will be closed today, with closures potentially extended if necessary.
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