Vietnam orders maximum readiness as super typhoon Ragasa approaches

The directive, sent to Party secretaries and chairpersons of provinces from Quang Ngai northwards, cites forecasts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, saying that Ragasa will enter the East Vietnam Sea on Monday evening, sustaining maximum strength of level 16-17 (184-220 kph) with gusts above level 17.

Waves are expected to exceed 10 meters, creating extremely dangerous conditions for vessels in the northern and central East Vietnam Sea.

Ragasa’s intensity is forecast to be equivalent to or stronger than typhoon Yagi in 2024.

Typhoon Yagi, the third storm to hit Vietnam in 2024 and the most powerful to strike the East Vietnam Sea in the past three decades, left hundreds of people dead in early September last year.

Between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, Ragasa is forecast to move across China’s Leizhou Peninsula into the Gulf of Tonkin with sustained winds of level 12-14 (118-166 kph), gusting to 15-16 (167-201 kph), before making landfall in Vietnam between Quang Ninh and Ha Tinh Provinces.

The directive warns of the storm’s exceptional intensity and risks of thunderstorms and squalls even when the eye remains 300-400 km offshore.

Authorities in Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri Provinces, and Hue City were told to postpone nonessential meetings and focus on storm preparedness.

They were asked to inspect and track all fishing boats and coastal vessels, ensuring timely communication and evacuation from danger zones; restrict or ban vessels from going to sea where necessary.

The authorities have to urge residents to reinforce homes and infrastructure, as well as to assist farmers with harvesting crops early where possible, and stay ready for evacuations.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is tasked with close monitoring, integrating international forecasts, and ensuring dam safety, dike protection, and agricultural security.

Other ministries must secure construction sites, transport networks, oil and gas operations, mining activities, hydropower dams, and electricity grids, while safeguarding industrial production.

The directive also emphasizes maintaining essential supplies, preventing price hikes, protecting schools and students, ensuring continuous emergency medical care, and restoring healthcare services quickly after the storm.