Typhoon Narra remained almost stationary over the Gulf of Tonkin on Sunday, bringing strong winds, rough seas, and heavy rain to northern Vietnam. Authorities warned that the storm’s circulation could continue to trigger flooding, flash floods, and landslides across several provinces through Monday.
At 1 p.m. on Sunday, the center of Typhoon Narra was about 155 kilometers east-southeast of Quang Ninh and around 150 kilometers east of Hai Phong. The storm was located north of Bach Long Vi Special Zone and was moving very slowly at about 3 kilometers per hour.
Weather officials said the typhoon was producing sustained winds of force 8 to 9, equal to about 62 to 88 kilometers per hour. Wind gusts were reaching force 11 in some areas, creating dangerous conditions across the Gulf of Tonkin.
Forecasters said Typhoon Narra is expected to drift slowly toward the southeast on Monday. The storm is likely to keep force 9 winds and gusts up to force 11, although it is not expected to make landfall in Vietnam.
The forecast shows the storm turning east-northeast on Tuesday before moving toward southwestern Guangxi in China. It is expected to weaken into a tropical depression by Wednesday.
The Gulf of Tonkin continues to experience rough seas as the storm remains nearby. Waves are reaching between 2 and 4 meters, making conditions dangerous for boats and coastal activities.
Strong winds have also affected coastal areas in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. Authorities said fishing vessels, aquaculture farms, coastal structures, and maritime operations remain at risk while the storm stays over the gulf.
The storm has already caused damage across parts of northern Vietnam. Disaster management officials said heavy rain, flooding, and landslides linked to Typhoon Narra had killed one person and damaged or flooded thousands of homes by Sunday afternoon.
The victim was a man born in 1999 in Thai Binh Commune in Lang Son Province. He died after a landslide struck his home during heavy rain.
Emergency teams have been working across affected provinces as rain continues. Authorities have evacuated 2,965 households from areas considered at high risk of landslides and flooding.
Most evacuations took place in Lang Son Province, where 2,736 households were moved to safer locations. Smaller evacuations were also carried out in Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Thanh Hoa as local governments responded to worsening weather conditions.
Rescue teams and local officials have cleared landslide debris, restored damaged roads, and helped residents move to safer shelters. Many areas have reopened roads after emergency cleanup operations.
Heavy rain is expected to continue across northeastern Vietnam, southern Phu Tho, and Thanh Hoa from Sunday afternoon through Monday. Forecasters warned that rainfall could become intense in several provinces.
Most affected areas are expected to receive between 30 and 70 millimeters of rain. However, isolated locations could record more than 150 millimeters during the storm.
Higher rainfall totals are forecast in Bac Ninh, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa. These provinces could receive between 60 and 120 millimeters, while some locations may see more than 250 millimeters.
Weather officials said rainfall should begin to ease from Monday night. Even so, flooding risks are expected to remain high in urban areas, low-lying communities, and river basins.
Mountainous areas face continued threats from flash floods and landslides as saturated ground increases the risk of slope failures. Authorities also warned that strong thunderstorms, whirlwinds, and damaging wind gusts could develop during the rain.
Officials have ordered local governments to closely monitor the storm and weather conditions around the clock. Strict controls remain in place for vessels operating at sea until conditions improve.
Fishing boats have been instructed to anchor safely or move to protected shelters. Authorities said people are not allowed to stay on boats or return to sea until weather conditions are declared safe.
Extra attention is being given to coastal tourism sites, islands, fishing zones, aquaculture areas, and construction projects near the coast. Local authorities are checking vulnerable infrastructure and preparing emergency response teams in areas with the highest risk.
Disaster prevention officials have also strengthened monitoring along vulnerable sections of dykes on the Cau, Thuong, Luc Nam, and Buoi rivers as water levels continue to rise.
Emergency agencies have maintained 24-hour operations and sent safety alerts to millions of mobile phone users across northern provinces. The warnings urge residents to stay alert for heavy rain, flooding, flash floods, landslides, and dangerous weather conditions until Typhoon Narra moves away from the region.
