HCMC — Storm Wipha has weakened after making landfall in northern Vietnam today, July 22, but heavy rain and strong winds are continuing to affect Hanoi City and neighboring provinces, reported the local media.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said the storm was over Hung Yen and Ninh Binh provinces by 11 a.m., with strong winds of level 8 and gusts up to level 10. The storm is expected to move southwest and weaken into a tropical depression by tonight. Despite its weakening intensity, the storm circulation continues to cause significant rainfall in parts of Nghe An and Thanh Hoa provinces, with accumulated rainfall ranging from 50 to 100mm. Southern areas of Son La and Phu Tho provinces may see up to 70mm of rain. Authorities have warned of flash floods and landslides, especially in western areas in Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces. Rising water levels were observed in rivers and streams in the region. In coastal Giao Phuc Commune, Ninh Binh Province, strong winds and rain were reported around midday. No major damage was reported. Do Son Ward in Haiphong City saw winds of levels 7-8 and gusts reaching level 9. High tides combined with strong winds generated continuous waves crashing ashore. Local authorities closed beach access zones and deployed patrols to keep residents and tourists away from danger zones. As of 10:20 a.m., the storm made landfall over Hung Yen and Ninh Binh provinces, where it delivered its strongest winds. Quang Ninh Province and Haiphong City may see renewed gusts, but weaker than those recorded on Sunday night. In Thanh Hoa Province, over 7,000 hectares of rice fields were flooded across several areas. Local authorities deployed 151 pumps at 34 stations to manage water levels. In Quang Ninh Province, nine fishermen were rescued after their vessel capsized on the Chanh River. All crew members were safely returned to shore.