Over 100 tourists stranded on Vietnam’s Ly Son Island due to storm Wutip

According to Pham Thi Huong, chairwoman of the Ly Son District People's Committee, the stranded visitors had arrived on the island several days prior. 

Although weather alerts and ferry updates were issued in advance, many tourists chose to continue sightseeing and missed the last ferries off the island.

"Tourist safety is fully ensured," Huong said. 

"Their food and accommodation needs are being met by local hotels and guesthouses. 

"Aside from their being unable to leave, their daily routines are unaffected."

On Tuesday, with warnings of worsening conditions, ferry operators transported over 1,500 tourists back to the mainland before the weather deteriorated further, according to district officials.

The remaining visitors will be ferried back once sea conditions improve and services resume.

Quang Ngai Province is being hit by heavy rainfall from the storm. 

Nguyen Hoang Giang, chairman of the provincial People's Committee, has issued an emergency directive to local governments and agencies to prepare for the storm's impact.

All vessels, including ferries operating on the Sa Ky – Ly Son and Big Island – Small Island routes, are banned from sailing when wind speeds reach level six or higher.

Maritime authorities have also instructed vessels at sea to return to shore and seek shelter. 

Fishing boats in storm-affected zones have been ordered to avoid complacency and ensure timely communication with authorities.

In mountainous districts such as Tra Bong, Ba To, Son Ha, Son Tay, and Minh Long, local governments are assessing landslide risks and preparing for possible evacuations. 

Police and border guard units have been placed on standby with rescue equipment and personnel.

As of Thursday, the Quang Ngai sea area was experiencing showers, winds at level six with gusts up to level eight, and wave heights of two to three meters, according to Nham Xuan Sy, director of the Quang Ngai Meteorological and Hydrological Station.

On early Friday, storm No. 1 intensified with sustained winds at level 10 (88–102 km/h) and gusts up to level 13. 

The storm is forecast to make landfall on Hainan Island in China today, while heavy rains continue in central Vietnam, according to Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.