Typhoon Wipha and Philippines flooding have taken center stage in Southeast Asia’s weather headlines this week. While the Philippines reels from weekend floods that displaced tens of thousands, Vietnam now braces for impact as the severe tropical storm moves inland.
From the Philippines to Vietnam: A Storm’s Path of Destruction
After skimming past the Philippines, Typhoon Wipha intensified and barreled toward northern Vietnam’s coastline. By early Tuesday morning, the storm had closed in to just 60 kilometers from Haiphong City. Wind speeds reached 102 kph, prompting immediate alerts from Vietnam’s national weather forecasters.
Thousands of Filipinos were already grappling with the aftermath. Flooding killed five and left two missing, while roughly 48,000 residents were evacuated across the metro region of Manila alone. Over 23,000 had to flee when the Marikina River breached its banks overnight.
Vietnam Deploys Military Ahead of Landfall
Vietnam isn’t taking chances. Nearly 350,000 soldiers remain on standby as the country prepares for Wipha’s expected landfall between Hung Yen and Ninh Binh provinces. The nation’s weather agency predicts up to 500mm (20 inches) of rain, which could trigger widespread flooding and deadly landslides.
Fortunately, no casualties or structural damage have been reported in Vietnam yet. But officials stress that the danger is far from over.
Emergency Closures and Disruptions Across Manila
Meanwhile, the Philippine capital continues to experience widespread disruptions. Schools and government offices in Manila and nearby provinces stayed closed following intense overnight rainfall. The flooding halted transportation and submerged multiple districts.
Families sought shelter in community centers, village halls, and covered courts. In Quezon and Caloocan alone, over 25,000 people were evacuated. Authorities remain on high alert, with weather experts warning that any more rain could worsen the situation.
Storm to Weaken, But Risks Remain High
Wipha is expected to weaken into a low-pressure system by Tuesday night. However, its impact could be long-lasting. The large volume of rain and the already saturated ground in both countries heighten the risk of secondary disasters like landslides and flash floods.
Relief teams in both Vietnam and the Philippines are working round the clock to manage shelters, deliver aid, and restore basic services in the worst-hit areas.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more updates on Southeast Asia’s climate alerts and emergency responses.
