Vietnam mobilizes 400,000 troops, 9,000 vehicles as storm Bualoi nears

According to the National Civil Defense Steering Committee, the military has 118,919 soldiers, 298,547 militia members, and 9,088 vehicles, including 5,739 trucks, 172 ships, 2,262 boats, 409 specialized vehicles, and six aircraft, ready for disaster response.

Border guards in coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Lam Dong have alerted nearly 68,000 fishing vessels with 286,677 crew members, instructing them to avoid dangerous waters.

As of Friday, all vessels had received warnings and were moving to safe zones, with no boats reported in the storm’s direct path.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned that Bualoi is moving unusually fast, at more than 30 kilometers per hour, and is expected to strengthen to level 12-13 (118-149 kph), gusting to level 16 (184-201 kph), as it approaches the north-central coast.

Strong winds and heavy rain could trigger flash floods, landslides, and widespread flooding.

In Thanh Hoa Province, north-central Vietnam, authorities imposed a fishing ban from 6:00 am on Saturday until the storm passes. Local leaders were ordered to strictly enforce the ban, ensure vessels remain anchored safely, and prevent people from staying on board during the storm’s landfall.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued an urgent directive late on Friday, calling on ministries, local authorities, and state agencies from Quang Ninh to Khanh Hoa Provinces to prepare for worst-case scenarios, prioritize the safety of citizens, and take responsibility for any negligence.

The directive requires evacuations if necessary, reinforcement of sea dykes, dams, and infrastructure, protection of schools and hospitals, and securing of homes, warehouses, and aquaculture farms.

Media agencies were told to increase coverage and provide public guidance on storm preparedness.

The Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Public Security were instructed to ready forces for search and rescue operations, while provincial authorities must report regularly on storm conditions and emergency measures.