Tropical Storm Wipha Strikes Vietnam, Displacing Thousands in the Philippines

Tropical Storm Wipha made landfall in northern Vietnam on July 22, 2025, at 10 AM local time (03:00 GMT), bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 102 km/h (63 mph) and heavy rainfall. The storm, which had been categorized as a typhoon while over open waters, has resulted in at least five fatalities and widespread displacement in the Philippines as it moved through the region. Local weather officials reported that Wipha is expected to weaken to a low-pressure system by the same evening, but not before causing significant disruptions in both Vietnam and the Philippines.

According to the Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the storm's impact is anticipated to lead to accumulations of rainfall reaching up to 500 mm (approximately 20 inches) across various provinces, raising concerns about severe flooding and landslides. In preparation, around 350,000 Vietnamese soldiers have been placed on standby, as authorities warn residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately.

As Wipha approached, many residents of Hanoi prepared for the storm by stocking up on fuel and supplies. The streets of the capital city became nearly deserted, with most businesses shuttered and the city government advising residents to remain indoors. Flights across northern Vietnam were cancelled, and airports in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh province were closed as a precautionary measure against the storm's potential damage.

In contrast, the Philippines experienced immediate and severe consequences from Wipha, with torrential rains causing the Marikina River to overflow, severely impacting the capital city of Manila. More than 23,000 residents living near the river were evacuated to safety, with additional evacuations taking place in Quezon and Caloocan cities. Reports from the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council confirm that at least five people have died and several others are missing.

John Paul Nietes, an emergency operations center assistant supervisor, reported that an elderly woman and her driver were swept away while trying to cross a bridge in Caloocan, and search efforts for them continue. The flooding and storm conditions have led to the closure of schools and government offices throughout the affected regions.

Historically, the Philippines faces an average of 20 typhoons each year, with the poorest regions often suffering the most devastating effects. The increasing strength and frequency of storms like Wipha are believed to be exacerbated by climate change, as observed in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yagi earlier this year, which resulted in around 300 fatalities and approximately $3.3 billion in damages in Vietnam.

Experts emphasize the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response strategies in the face of escalating climate-related disasters. Dr. Emily Chen, a climate scientist at the University of the Philippines, stated, "The intensity of storms is increasing, and Pacific nations must adapt their infrastructure and emergency response systems to cope with these changes."

The ongoing devastation from Tropical Storm Wipha highlights the urgent need for comprehensive disaster risk management strategies in both Vietnam and the Philippines as they confront the realities of climate change and its impacts on regional weather patterns. As recovery efforts commence, both nations face the daunting task of rebuilding and preparing for future storms.

In summary, Tropical Storm Wipha has had severe consequences across the region, underscoring the necessity for improved disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures in Southeast Asia. The immediate focus remains on rescue and recovery operations while the long-term implications of climate change continue to loom over these vulnerable communities.