Thousands of people along the central coast of Vietnam are moving to safety. This comes as Typhoon Bualoi, a powerful storm, speeds towards the country. Authorities have closed several airports and mobilized emergency teams. The typhoon is expected to hit central Vietnam around 6:00 PM local time on Sunday, September 28. It has already caused serious harm in the Philippines, killing at least 10 people and leaving widespread flooding.
As Sunday dawned, Vietnam’s coastal regions prepared for the storm’s arrival. The government acted quickly. They ordered airports in the danger zone to shut down. Officials also rushed to move thousands of residents from low-lying areas. This swift action aims to lessen the storm’s impact.
Forecasters predict Bualoi will bring strong winds, potentially reaching 133 kilometers per hour. A storm surge of over one meter is also a major concern. Heavy rains are expected to follow, which could trigger flash floods and dangerous landslides. These conditions pose a severe threat to the population and infrastructure.
Storm’s Path and Intensity
The National Meteorological Agency of Vietnam released an update early Sunday. At 4:00 AM, the typhoon was about 200 kilometers east of Da Nang, near the Paracel Islands. It had sustained winds of 133 kilometers per hour. Gusts were even stronger, reaching up to 166 kilometers per hour. The storm is moving northwest at a rapid 30 kilometers per hour. This speed is almost double the average for such storms.
Meteorologists warn that Bualoi could cause several natural disasters at once. These include high winds, intense rainfall, widespread flooding, mudslides, and coastal inundation. When it makes landfall in central Vietnam, wind speeds could peak at 149 kilometers per hour. The storm is then expected to weaken into a tropical depression. This should happen over northern Laos by Monday.
Evacuations and Preparedness
The Vietnamese government confirmed that evacuations are underway. In Ha Tinh province, located in central Vietnam, over 15,000 people have already been moved. Thousands of soldiers are on standby. They are ready to respond to any emergencies. The Civil Aviation Authority also stepped in, halting services at four coastal airports from Sunday. Da Nang International Airport is among those affected. Many flight schedules have been changed.
Vietnam lies along the South China Sea and has a long coastline. This makes it vulnerable to powerful typhoons every year. These storms often cause widespread destruction and loss of life. For instance, last year, Typhoon Yagi struck the region. It claimed about 300 lives and caused an estimated $3.3 billion in property damage. The current preparations reflect a country experienced in facing down nature’s fury.
Source: VnExpress