Tropical storm Wipha causes disruptions in China, Hong Kong, and southeastern regions
Typhoon Wipha, the sixth of the year, has caused widespread disruption and damage across several Asian countries. As of Monday, authorities in Vietnam and Laos are bracing for the typhoon's impact, while China and Hong Kong have already experienced its wrath.
Vietnam and Laos Brace for Typhoon Wipha
In Vietnam, authorities have begun evacuating residents from vulnerable areas, including river mouths, coastal zones, riverbanks, and landslide-prone regions. The hardest hit area has been Nghe An Province, where the typhoon caused catastrophic flooding and landslides. Thousands of people have been displaced, with nearly 1,200 households evacuated to higher ground. The storm has resulted in at least one confirmed death, one missing person, and multiple injuries. Damage includes destruction or damage to over 161 homes and flooding of more than 3,200 houses, as well as widespread destruction of rice fields, livestock, and personal assets affecting thousands of livelihoods.
In Laos, authorities have issued urgent warnings and initiated proactive response measures in multiple provinces expected to be affected by heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds from the typhoon’s passage. The Central Committee for Natural Disaster Management has called on agencies to issue early warnings, raise public awareness, identify safe evacuation zones, and relocate valuable property and livestock. Residents in low-lying areas and along riverbanks are urged to stay alert and prepare for prolonged heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash floods, landslides, and potential damage to life and property.
Thailand and China's Response to Typhoon Wipha
Regarding Thailand, the search results do not provide direct information on evacuations or impacts related to Typhoon Wipha. It is possible that Thailand saw minimal direct effects or that information on Thailand’s response is not included in these sources.
In China, the Chinese government sent 33,000 relief supplies to Guangdong and Hainan provinces, raising its preparedness level to three in Guangdong and Hainan provinces, maintaining level four in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The storm caused significant disruption in China and Hong Kong, with the Hong Kong Observatory lifting all storm warning signals on Monday morning. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge reopened to all vehicles at midnight on Monday, while Hong Kong International Airport resumed normal operations with 120 inbound and 114 outbound flights between 8pm on Sunday and 6am on Monday. However, national carrier Vietnam Airlines cancelled several domestic flights to Hai Phong port city on Monday.
Ongoing Emergency Response
As Typhoon Wipha weakens into a tropical depression near Vietnam on Monday and Tuesday, it is predicted to affect northern and central Laos. The emergency response phase in Vietnam and Laos is ongoing, focusing on recovery and aid to affected populations. Vietnam's Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, has ordered a maritime travel ban and the suspension of fishing, cargo, and tourist vessel operations. Local authorities in Vietnam's northern and central regions have implemented protective measures to mitigate Typhoon Wipha’s effects.
In summary, Typhoon Wipha has caused significant impacts in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, with ongoing evacuations and emergency responses. The storm had already dissipated as of July 23 after moving inland over Laos.
| Country | Status of Evacuation and Impact | |----------|------------------------------------------------------------| | Vietnam | Severe flooding and landslides, large-scale evacuations in Nghe An province, casualties, widespread property and agricultural damage[2] | | Laos | Urgent government action with early warnings, evacuations, relocations in multiple provinces, preparedness for heavy rains and winds[4] | | Thailand | No specific evacuation or impact information available in the sources; likely minimal or no major impact reported[1][2][4] |
- In light of the ongoing impact of Typhoon Wipha, international organizations could leverage technology to provide real-time updates and disaster relief services in Vietnam and Laos, ensuring more efficient evacuation and aid distribution.
- As travel restrictions are imposed in Vietnam and Laos due to the typhoon, travelers planning international travel should monitor weather conditions and adjust their plans accordingly to avoid potential disruptions.
