Battling the tide: People working to rescue fishermen on a stranded fishing boat due to Typhoon Bualoi in Quang Tri. — AP
Authorities closed airports and evacuated thousands of people in areas under storm threat, as intensifying Typhoon Bualoi barrelled towards the country, days after causing at least 10 deaths and widespread flooding in the Philippines.
The typhoon was generating winds of up to 133kph as of 10am local time yesterday and is forecast to make landfall in central Vietnam around 1am local time today, slowing as it nears the coast, state-run Thanh Nien newspaper reported.
“This is a rapidly moving storm – nearly twice the average speed – with strong intensity and a broad area of impact,” the national weather forecast agency said.
“It is capable of triggering multiple natural disasters simultaneously, including powerful winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, flash floods, landslides and coastal inundation.”
Northern and central provinces may see up to 600 mm of rain through Wednesday, with rivers rising by 9m and risks of flooding and landslides, it said.
Authorities in the central province of Ha Tinh have started to evacuate more than 15,000 people, the government said yesterday, adding that thousands of troops were standing ready.
Heavy rains have drenched central provinces since Saturday.
In Hue, floods swamped low-lying streets, storms ripped roofs off three houses, and at least one person was reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters.
In Quang Tri province, a fishing boat sank and another was stranded while seeking shelter.
Eight people had been rescued while efforts were still underway to reach three others at sea, state media said.
Residents in Vinh, capital of Nghe An province where the typhoon is expected to make landfall, were rushing to secure homes, tie down boats, and stack sandbags or water-filled sacks on rooftops.
“We already suffered from losses from recent Typhoon Kajiki this year and haven’t recovered yet,” said Bui Thi Tuyet, a 41-year-old resident.
“Over the last 20 years living here, I have not felt this terrified because of storms.”
Vietnam suspended operations at four coastal airports from yesterday, including Da Nang International Airport, and adjusted the departure time of several flights, the Civil Aviation Authority said.
Schools in the typhoon-affected area will be closed today, with closures potentially extended if necessary, according to news site VnExpress. — Reuters/AP
