09:00 July 21: Storm No. 3 wipha has entered the Gulf of Tonkin, starting to strengthen again.

At 7:00 a.m. on July 21, the center of the storm was located at about 21.3 degrees North latitude; 109.9 degrees East longitude, in the northern area of Leizhou Peninsula (China), about 220km east of Quang Ninh - Hai Phong . The strongest wind near the center of the storm was level 9 (75-88km/h), gusting to level 11; moving in the West Southwest direction at a speed of 15-20km/h.

The Northwestern sea area of the North East Sea has strong winds of level 7-8, near the storm center, level 9, gusting to level 11; waves 4.0-6.0m high, very rough seas.

The northern sea area of the Gulf of Tonkin (including the special zones of Bach Long Vi, Co To, Cat Hai, Hon Dau island) has strong winds of level 6-7, then increasing to level 8-9, the area near the storm's eye has winds of level 10-11, gusts of level 14, waves 2.0-4.0m high, the area near the storm's eye has winds of 3.0-5.0m, the sea is very rough; the southern sea area of the Gulf of Tonkin (including Hon Ngu island) has winds gradually increasing to level 6-7, the area near the storm's eye has winds of level 8-9, gusts of level 11, waves 2.0-4.0m high, the sea is very rough.

Forecast of the National Center for Hydrometeorology said: 09:00 on July 21: Storm No. 3 has descended to the Gulf of Tonkin, starting to strengthen again thanks to abundant energy from the ocean. Currently in Quang Ninh, dark clouds have gathered in the sky.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha stated that storm No. 3 is very strong, has complex developments, moves quickly, but stops for a long time near the mainland, increasing the risk of damage when it makes landfall.

Forecast, on the afternoon of July 21, the storm will enter the Gulf of Tonkin with intensity of level 10-11, gusting to level 14. It will make landfall in the North, reaching Nghe An on July 22.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha noted that storm forecasts need to be explained clearly and easily so that people can grasp the details. If the wind is strong enough, trees can fall, roofs of level four houses can be blown off, and people on the street can be swept away by the wind...

Faced with the complicated developments of the storm, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghe An province issued a telegram requesting the Chairmen of the People's Committees of wards and communes to proactively prevent storms when there is a big storm:

* Closely monitor the developments of storms, floods, and rains , promptly update information to people; disseminate and instruct on skills to respond to natural disasters such as strong winds, flash floods, landslides, and inundation.

Quynh Border Guard Station has also mobilized forces to the areas to propagate and call on boats to take shelter from the storm; coordinate to arrange for boats to anchor to ensure safety. Photo: Anh Bach — Nghe An Border Guard forces call on boats to take shelter from the storm; coordinate to arrange for boats to anchor safely. Photo: Anh Bach

*Review and prepare to evacuate people from dangerous areas , provide accommodation, food, and necessities to stabilize people's lives.

*Ensure safety of works, infrastructure, power systems, coastal tourism , prepare manpower, materials, and be on duty 24/7 to promptly handle emergency situations.

Photo: National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

Emergency precautions when there is a big storm in vulnerable areas:

Follow storm news : Listen to weather forecasts regularly via TV, radio, and official social media.
Reinforce the house : Tie down the roof and doors; cut down tree branches near the house.
Stock up on essentials : Clean water, dry food, medicine, flashlight, rechargeable batteries.
Fully charge communication devices : Phone, rechargeable lamp, spare battery.
Move to a safe place : If you live near the sea, river, or low-lying area, you need to evacuate according to instructions.
Do not leave the house when the storm hits : Avoid falling trees, electric shock, and floods.
Turn off the electricity and gas : Avoid fire and explosion.
Protect important documents : Put in a sealed plastic bag, place in a high, dry place.