Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on July 20 issued an urgent dispatch ordering swift and decisive response to Typhoon Wipha, a powerful storm packing winds of level 12 and set to strike northern and north-central Vietnam from July 21 eveni🍒ng.

In the dispatch, the PM called for a coordination of ministries, including national defence, public security, agriculture, and environment, alongside local authorities in the storm’s path. Emphasis was placed on absolute urgency and resolute action to protect lives and property of the public and the State, while minimising damage caused by the storm. Chairpersons of the municipal and provincial People's Committees were directed to secure maritime activities, ensuring that all vessels, including fishing boats, cargo ships, and tourist vessels, are moved to safe harbours or out of danger zones before the storm makes landfall. Strict enforcement was mandated to ensure no one remains on board during the storm. Localities were required to review and enforce safety protocols for marine tourism and aquaculture operations along the coast, estuaries, and offshore, including evacuating residents from floating fish cages. Depending on local conditions, they must impose bans on sea travel and activities involving fishing, cargo, and tourist vessels. On land, cities and provinces must coordinate traffic management, restrict public movement during the storm, and deploy resources to keep major roads open. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment was directed closely monitor the storm, deliver timely and accurate updates, and coordinate local responses to protect irrigation systems, dikes, and agricultural production. Other specific tasks were also assigned to relevant ministries, agencies and the mass media to keep the response tight. Wipha, currently in the northern East Sea, packs gust up to level 15. According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, its rapid approach threatens heavy rainfall, flashfloods and landslides in mountainous and midland regions, and flooding in low-lying and urban areas./.