Storm Wipha is forecast to be powerful and fast-moving. Photo: qdnd.vn

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts that the eye of the storm will be in the region from Quang Ninh to Ninh Binh. On Sunday Quang Ninh province prohibited all tourist ships from operating in Ha Long Bay and banned passenger ships to and between islands. Hai Phong city and Hung Yen province issued a similar ban.

On Monday morning, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An province began evacuating residents in vulnerable dyke areas, and ordered ships and boats to seek safe anchorage. People working in aquaculture farms were ordered ashore before noon on Monday.

Authorities guide and help fishermen take preventive measures. Photo: qdnd.vn

Vice Chairman of the Nghe An provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van De said: “Ships and boats across the province are in close communication and in safe locations. Aquaculture farm owners have been informed of the storm so they can take preventive measures. As Tuong Duong, Ky Son, and Que Phong district are at risk of landslides, we are focusing on directing a response.”

Vice Chairman of the Thanh Hoa provincial People's Committee Mai Xuan Liêm told VOV: “It’s crucial to identify safe anchorage areas for ships and boats in coastal communes. Thanh Hoa still has 156 vessels operating in the Gulf of Tonkin.”

The Border Guard and provincial rescue forces are on standby. Mountainous areas are on high alert for flooding and landslides. Ly Minh Son, Chairman of the People's Committee of Bach Dang commune, Cao Bang province, said: “We have established a command for natural disaster prevention and search and rescue and is monitoring the situation. Some damaged roads have been repaired, using local resources. A search and rescue plan for each area has been developed.”