Typhoon Wipha Hits Vietnam as Flooding Displaces Thousands in the Philippines

Typhoon Wipha has caused severe weather impacts in Southeast Asia, with heavy rainfall and flooding leading to casualties and mass evacuations in the Philippines. Over the weekend, the storm’s effects left at least five people dead, five others injured, and thousands displaced. Wipha, which has now intensified into a severe tropical storm, is heading towards northern Vietnam, prompting authorities there to take precautionary measures.

As of 6 a.m. local time in Vietnam on Tuesday (23:00 GMT Monday), Typhoon Wipha was located approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) off the coast of Haiphong City. According to Vietnam’s national weather forecasting agency, the storm is moving southwest at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour (9.3 mph) with wind speeds of up to 102 kph (63 mph). The Vietnamese authorities are on high alert, with around 350,000 soldiers on standby to respond to potential emergencies. The country’s weather agency has warned of possible rainfall reaching up to 500mm (20 inches), which could trigger severe flooding and landslides. So far, no casualties or damages have been reported in Vietnam.

Typhoon Wipha is expected to make landfall in the provinces of Hung Yen and Ninh Binh, both located south of the capital, Hanoi. The storm is forecast to weaken into a low-pressure system by Tuesday night, reducing its potential threat. Nevertheless, preparations are in place due to the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.

In the Philippines, the aftermath of Wipha has been particularly devastating, especially in the capital city of Manila and surrounding regions. Torrential rains have led to overflowing rivers and severe flooding, disrupting daily life and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. The Marikina River, which runs through Metro Manila, burst its banks, prompting widespread evacuations and emergency responses. Schools and government offices in Manila and neighboring provinces remained closed on Tuesday due to the extreme weather.

More than 23,000 residents living near the riverbanks were evacuated and took refuge in schools, village halls, and covered courtyards. An additional 25,000 people were evacuated from Quezon City and Caloocan City, both part of the greater Manila metropolitan area. Tragically, an elderly woman and her driver were swept away while trying to cross a bridge in Caloocan. According to John Paul Nietes, an assistant supervisor at an emergency operations center, their car was recovered, but rescue operations continue as both individuals remain missing.

The Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed that five people have died due to Typhoon Wipha’s impact, while at least five others have been injured. Seven individuals are still missing. The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, is frequently hit by storms and typhoons, with about 20 striking or passing near the country each year. These storms often cause significant destruction, particularly in the poorest regions. Climate change has been linked to the increasing intensity and destructiveness of these weather events.

Earlier this year, Super Typhoon Yagi struck Vietnam, resulting in approximately 300 deaths and causing an estimated $3.3 billion in damages. The recent events surrounding Typhoon Wipha highlight the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.