Typhoon Bualoi Threatens Vietnam After Causing 20 Deaths in Philippines: Mass Evacuations Underway

People on boat to cross street following rains, intensified by Tropical Storm Bualoi in Philippines

Vietnam initiated evacuation procedures for thousands of residents from central and northern provinces on Sunday as Typhoon Bualoi approached the country more rapidly than anticipated, with landfall expected later that day.

In the central Philippines, Bualoi had already claimed at least 20 lives since Friday, primarily from drowning incidents and falling trees, while disrupting power supply in several towns and cities, according to officials. The severe weather conditions forced approximately 23,000 families to seek refuge in over 1,400 emergency shelters.

The typhoon was predicted to bring winds reaching up to 133 kph (83 mph), storm surges exceeding one meter (3.2 feet), and torrential rainfall that could potentially trigger flash floods and landslides in affected areas.

Vietnam's meteorological agency reported early Sunday that Bualoi was positioned approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) east of central Vietnam and moving in a northwestern direction. Landfall was anticipated between Quang Tri and Nghe An provinces.

Authorities ordered fishing vessels in northern and central regions to remain ashore and mandated evacuations. According to state media, Da Nang was preparing to relocate more than 210,000 people, while Hue was arranging the movement of over 32,000 coastal inhabitants to safer locations.

The Civil Aviation Authority suspended operations at four coastal airports, including Danang International Airport, resulting in numerous rescheduled flights.

Since Saturday night, heavy rainfall has drenched central provinces. In Hue, floodwaters submerged low-lying streets, storms damaged roofs, and at least one person was reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters.

In neighboring Quang Tri province, one fishing vessel sank and another became stranded while seeking shelter. Eight individuals have been rescued, while efforts continued to reach three others at sea, as reported by state media.

Meteorologists cautioned about continued heavy precipitation through October 1, heightening risks of flooding and landslides across northern and central provinces.

Bualoi marked the second major storm to threaten Asia within a week. Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in years, caused at least 28 deaths across the northern Philippines and Taiwan before making landfall in China and eventually dissipating over Vietnam on Thursday.

According to experts, global warming is intensifying storms like Bualoi, making them stronger and wetter. Warmer ocean temperatures provide tropical storms with additional energy, resulting in more powerful winds, heavier rainfall, and changing precipitation patterns throughout East Asia.