Vietnam Prepares for Typhoon Bualoi with Mass Evacuations and Airport Closures

HANOI — Vietnamese authorities have closed several airports and evacuated thousands of residents as Typhoon Bualoi, locally known as Opong in the Philippines, accelerates toward the country’s central coast. The storm has already caused significant fatalities and flooding in the Philippines, where it claimed at least 10 lives.

According to Vietnam's national meteorological agency, the typhoon is moving at nearly twice the average speed for such storms, with wind speeds reaching up to 133 km/h (83 mph) as of early Sunday. Forecasters now expect it to make landfall in central Vietnam later that day, earlier than previously predicted.

The agency warned that the fast-moving typhoon poses a serious threat, capable of generating strong winds, heavy rainfall, floods, flash floods, landslides, and coastal flooding simultaneously.

In response, the provincial government of Ha Tinh has begun evacuating over 15,000 residents from vulnerable areas. Thousands of troops have been mobilized to support emergency operations and ensure public safety.

The Civil Aviation Authority announced the suspension of flights at four coastal airports, including the prominent Danang International Airport. Several flight schedules have also been adjusted to mitigate disruption.

Flooding from heavy rains has already been reported in the central provinces of Hue and Quang Tri, underscoring the storm’s early impact on the region.

Vietnam's extensive coastline along the South China Sea makes it highly susceptible to typhoons, which frequently result in significant human and economic losses. In 2023, Typhoon Yagi caused approximately 300 fatalities and inflicted damages estimated at $3.3 billion.