Storm Wipha weakens into tropical depression over northern Vietnam

The storm was expected to drift slowly west-southwest overnight and further weaken into a low-pressure area over upper Laos.

Despite weakening, heavy rain could continue through the night and into Wednesday morning in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, southern Phu Tho, and Son La Provinces, with rainfall of 40-80 mm and some areas likely exceeding 150 mm.

As of 5:00 pm on Tuesday, preliminary reports from the Department of Dike Management and Disaster Prevention show that the storm damaged 79 homes in Nghe An and flooded about 107,000 hectares of rice crops across northern Vietnam.

In Thanh Hoa, torrential downpours from Monday to Tuesday flooded nearly 7,200 hectares of rice, especially in Hoang Hoa, Hau Loc, Ha Trung, Nga Son, Bim Son, and Thieu Hoa.

Thirty-four local pumping stations across Thanh Hoa are currently operating 151 pumps to drain water from rice fields, homes, and essential infrastructure.

Floodwaters also temporarily cut off 15 households with 70 residents in Thanh Loi Village, Tan Thanh Commune, as water surged over one meter across the Cua Du spillway.

Besides, two sections of the Ta Cung dike in Hoang Chau Commune suffered land subsidence spanning a total of 65 meters. Emergency repairs are underway.

In Ninh Binh, of the 74,000 hectares flooded, more than 66,000 hectares of newly planted rice remains entirely submerged.

Without prompt drainage, the crops face total loss.

In addition, 783 hectares of summer-autumn vegetables were also affected.

The Ninh Binh Department of Agriculture and Environment has deployed 617 pumps, 144 stations, and 62 floodgates to protect agricultural areas, industrial zones, urban areas, and residential clusters.

Water levels in lakes are also being lowered via 10 reservoir gates.

A five-meter-long section of the Nam Quan Lieu dike in Nghia Son Commune slumped due to heavy rain. 

Local authorities have reinforced the damaged area with tarpaulins and sandbags.

In Hanoi, heavy rain caused a 20-meter-long crack along the surface of a dike in Da Phuc Commune. 

Local authorities have restricted access and closed the section to traffic.