Typhoon Maysak, the first named storm to affect Vietnam this year, moved toward the northern coast on Saturday, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and rough seas to the Gulf of Tonkin as authorities warned residents to prepare for dangerous weather.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), by 2 p.m. on July 4, the storm's center was about 90 kilometers southeast of Mong Cai in Quang Ninh Province, maintaining sustained winds of 62-88 km/h (Beaufort force 8-9) with gusts reaching force 11 while moving north-northwest at around 15 km/h.
Forecasters expect the storm center to move ashore in Quang Ninh during Saturday evening before weakening over southern Guangxi in China into a tropical depression.
Strongest impacts expected along the Quang Ninh-Hai Phong coast
Fishing boats shelter at Cai Xa Coong harbor in Quang Ninh ahead of Typhoon Maysak. Photo: Pham Cong.
The storm's circulation has already affected the entire Gulf of Tonkin. Bach Long Vi Island recorded force-9 winds with gusts to force 10, while Co To Island experienced force-8 winds, gusts to force 9 and waves reaching 2.25 meters. Cua Ong also recorded force-8 winds, while Mong Cai experienced force-6 winds.
Meteorologists said the most dangerous conditions on land would occur along the coast of Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Hung Yen, where winds are forecast to strengthen to force 6-7, reaching force 8 near the storm center with gusts of force 9-10. Coastal waves are expected to reach 2-3.5 meters, accompanied by a storm surge of 0.2-0.4 meters.
According to Hoang Phuc Lam, Deputy Director of the NCHMF, the strongest winds are expected between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday, with hazardous conditions likely continuing until around 11 p.m.
Although forecasts currently indicate that Maysak is unlikely to penetrate deep inland in Vietnam, Lam warned that the storm's circulation could still produce significant impacts across the northeastern region.
Torrential rain raises flood and landslide risks
Fishermen secure mooring lines before the storm approaches. Photo: Pham Cong.
From Saturday afternoon through the end of Sunday, northeastern Vietnam is forecast to receive 150-250 millimeters of rainfall, with isolated areas exceeding 450 millimeters.
Earlier forecast scenarios suggested some locations could receive more than 500 millimeters of rain, particularly in Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Bac Ninh, depending on the storm's final track.
Forecasters said thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes and damaging wind gusts could occur before, during and after the storm passes, posing risks to homes, trees, power infrastructure and outdoor activities.
Mountainous and midland provinces have also been warned of flash floods, landslides and severe localized flooding.
Hanoi to see heavy rain but avoid direct impact
Meteorologists said Hanoi is not expected to experience the storm's direct effects. However, the western side of Maysak's circulation is forecast to bring heavy rain to the capital from Saturday evening through Sunday morning.
Rainfall of 40-70 millimeters is expected across most of the city, while northern and northwestern districts could receive more than 120 millimeters before precipitation gradually weakens on Sunday afternoon.
Fishing boats secured as residents prepare
In Quang Ninh, fishing communities spent Saturday securing vessels and stocking food supplies ahead of the storm's arrival.
At the Cai Xa Coong storm shelter in Ha Tu Ward, around 80 fishing boats were moored side by side while fishermen reinforced mooring lines to minimize damage from strong winds and rough seas. Many also prepared food and drinking water for those staying behind to guard the vessels.
Provincial authorities said that by the end of July 3, weather warnings had been delivered to 6,945 fishing vessels, carrying 13,890 crew members, as well as 1,919 aquaculture cages and 3,838 offshore workers, enabling them to move to safer locations.
Local fishermen prepare food and supplies while remaining to guard their boats. Photos: Pham Cong.Despite the rain, low tide left the Cai Xa Coong boat shelter with shallow water as Typhoon Maysak approached. Photo: Pham Cong.Fishing boats are moored in orderly rows to prevent collisions as Typhoon Maysak approaches. Photo: Pham Cong.Storm track updates have been delivered to 6,945 fishing vessels ahead of Typhoon Maysak. Photo: Pham Cong.
More than 2,800 tourists remain on Co To Island
Despite the approaching storm, 2,845 tourists remained on Co To Island on Saturday, including 14 international visitors - seven French, four German, one British, one Japanese and one Czech national. Local authorities said all visitors were safe and had chosen to remain on the island.
Hotels, restaurants and local authorities have coordinated to ensure sufficient accommodation, food supplies and essential services throughout the storm.
Restaurant owner Vu Van Hieu said businesses had stocked additional food while keeping prices unchanged despite the adverse weather.
More than 2,800 tourists remain on Co To Island as Typhoon Maysak approaches. Photo: D.X.Fishing boats have returned to designated shelters on Co To Island ahead of Typhoon Maysak. Photo: D.X.
"Many tour groups had already booked meals through tomorrow lunchtime. More than 100 visitors came to our restaurant for lunch today, and we're doing everything we can to serve them as usual," he said.
Throughout Saturday morning, Nguyen Danh Ha, Chairman of the Co To Special Zone People's Committee, inspected ports, vulnerable infrastructure, construction sites and tourism facilities while meeting visitors staying on the island.
Authorities also checked temporary and vulnerable houses, reinforced weak structures and instructed accommodation providers to ensure tourists' safety.
As of 10 a.m. Saturday, despite scattered rain and force-7 to force-8 northeast winds, Co To had reported no casualties or property damage. All 452 fishing vessels and 33 floating fish farms had reached safe shelter, while emergency response teams remained on 24-hour standby to respond to any incidents.
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