Fatalities reported in northern Vietnam as heavy storms strike

Vietnam has faced significant challenges as Tropical Storm Wipha made landfall in the northern region on July 22, 2025. Initial forecasts indicated that the storm would arrive early on Tuesday, prompting emergency alerts across the coastal provinces. By mid-morning, sustained winds of up to 102 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall began to impact the region, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. As the storm moved inland, it transformed from a tropical storm to a depression while still bringing substantial amounts of rain, prompting warnings for potential flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions and urban areas including Hanoi. The situation in northern Vietnam worsened as storm-related damage became evident. Reports indicated that one person had died as a tree fell on a house in Nghe An province before the storm made landfall. Another individual was reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters. In addition to these tragic outcomes, the heavy rains and resultant flooding have disrupted the lives of many residents, damaging homes, ruining crops, and cutting off electricity and communication to some rural communities. Authorities were mobilizing resources to evacuate individuals from landslide-prone areas, with nearly 400 households being affected by evacuations due to the risk posed by the storms. The wider implications of Storm Wipha's impact were also felt beyond Vietnam's borders. In China, particularly in the eastern province of Shandong, extreme rainfall occurred as the storm interacted with monsoon conditions, resulting in fatalities and search operations due to missing individuals. The situation has revealed the significant strain climate change is placing on regional weather patterns, leading to more intense storms capable of causing widespread destruction. Experts say that rising sea surface temperatures are aiding in the development of storms that deliver heavier rains and stronger winds, resulting in a series of flood and landslide risks across various affected nations. Surveys of the damage across northern Vietnam continue as emergency crews and local authorities assess the situation and prioritize rescue efforts. Lessons learned from prior storms point to the ongoing need for robust disaster preparedness measures, especially in vulnerable regions. Countries like Vietnam are no strangers to tropical storms, yet the increasing severity impacts not only humanitarian aspects but also economic factors. Closing airports and canceling flights further complicates an already delicate situation as recovery efforts and travel logistics are facilitated during and after the storm’s passage.