HONG KONG – On July 20, Typhoon Wipha struck Hong Kong as a Category 10 storm with gusts up to 167 km/h, heavy rainfall, and powerful waves. Authorities reported over 450 fallen trees, more than 250 people sought shelter, and 26 hospitalized due to injuries.
Hong Kong International Airport canceled at least 400 flights, affecting ~80,000 passengers, and suspended the SkyPier ferry service. The Hong Kong Observatory continued to monitor residual risks even after lowering alerts.
Vietnam & Laos: Storm Hits with Force
Wipha was downgraded to a tropical storm before landfall in northern Vietnam on July 22, with winds up to 102 km/h and anticipated rainfall up to 50 cm.
The Vietnamese government declared an emergency, mobilizing ≈350,000 soldiers and 8,200 vehicles to assist in evacuation and flood response.
Authorities closed Van Don International Airport (Quang Ninh) and Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong) from July 21, 23:00 to July 22, 12:00, suspending all flight operations.
Airports in Hanoi (Noi Bai), Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat) saw 100+ flight delays/cancellations across carriers like Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air.
Severe flooding risks threatened aquaculture zones, with over 150,000 hectares of farms and 20,000 floating fish cages at risk.
Disruption extended regionally: Lao PDR issued storm warnings, though airport closures were minimal compared to prior storms like Typhoon Yagi.
Summary of Airport & Flight Disruptions
| Location | Airport Status |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong Int’l Airport | +400 flights canceled, 80,000 passengers affected; ferry/sea services suspended |
| Van Don (Quang Ninh) | Closed from July 21 23:00 to July 22 12:00; all flights suspended |
| Cat Bi (Hai Phong) | Closed in same period; ~33 flights canceled |
| Noi Bai (Hanoi) | Continuing monitoring; moderate disruptions, many flights delayed |
| Da Nang, Tan Son Nhat | Over 100 flight delays or cancellations across national carriers |
Broader Regional Impact
In the Philippines, Wipha intensified monsoon rains, causing widespread flooding, school closures, and at least three deaths. ~80,000 people evacuated.
Southern China faced heavy storms post-Wipha, especially in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan—with flood and landslide warnings active.
- Laos prepared with localized rainfall alerts and potential airport disruptions, though comprehensive data is still emerging.
Safety Measures
Regional governments have urged residents to stay indoors, evacuated flood-prone communities, and issued travel bans for fishing and coastal vessels . Experts warn that warming seas due to climate change may make future storms even more intense.
Airport authorities and airlines continue to adjust flight schedules based on hourly weather data, prioritizing passenger safety.
Vietnam and the Philippines in flood preparation mode
Typhoon Wipha has significantly impacted public life and travel across Asia, with Hong Kong facing its highest storm alert in years and 100+ flights grounded across ~6 airports in Vietnam. Rescue operations, emergency mobilizations, and travel restrictions continue. With countries like Vietnam and the Philippines in flood preparation mode and Laos on alert, the storm underscores the growing volatility of Southeast Asia’s climate. Infrastructure resilience, effective weather forecasting, and agile disaster response are more critical than ever. (zai) – Photo: Weather Online