Typhoon Bualoi struck northern central Vietnam early on Monday, causing significant damage and tragedy. As it made landfall, the storm unleashed powerful winds that downed power lines and destroyed numerous homes, resulting in the death of one person and the disappearance of 12 fishermen whose boats were capsized by the tumultuous waves.
The storm initially had wind speeds of 117 kph, but these diminished to 88 kph as it moved inland over Nghe An province, according to Vietnam’s national weather forecast agency. Prior to hitting land, Bualoi skirted along the Vietnamese coastline for several hours, stirring up waves as high as eight meters. This has led to widespread flooding and raised concerns about potential landslides.
In response to the approaching typhoon, Vietnamese authorities took preemptive measures by evacuating more than 28,500 residents in vulnerable areas and shutting down four airports, disrupting hundreds of flights.
The cyclone has caused Vietnam to experience heavy rainfall since Saturday, with forecasts predicting up to 500 millimeters of rain by Tuesday. This substantial precipitation poses a significant risk of severe flooding and landslides, especially in a region often hit by typhoons that form over the South China Sea. The impact of Bualoi mirrors the catastrophic effects of previous storms in the region, such as the devastation caused by Typhoon Kajiki, which also necessitated mass evacuations and resulted in severe property damage and casualties.
Vietnam’s long coastline and position along prevalent storm tracks make it especially susceptible to such natural disasters. The nation’s history of facing powerful typhoons and the consequential flooding and landslides underline the importance of ongoing efforts in disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure development. Despite the challenges posed by Typhoon Bualoi, the country’s proactive evacuation efforts and emergency readiness demonstrate a commitment to minimizing harm and ensuring safe recovery for its communities. Additionally, international attention and support may serve to fortify Vietnam’s resilience against future climatic threats, emphasizing solidarity and readiness in the face of nature’s challenges.