Storm No. 3 (Yagi), with winds of force 12, gusts of force 14, swept through Ha Long Bay, causing serious consequences. Strong gusts blew away corrugated iron roofs, uprooted ancient trees, and fierce waves crashed into the shore, damaging many floating houses and boats. Ha Long Bay, which was once peaceful and poetic, has now become desolate.
After being affected by the storm, Quang Ninh is ready to reopen to welcome tourists from September 13. The management board of tourist areas and local authorities have deployed a series of measures to ensure the safety of tourists, including thoroughly reviewing and checking infrastructure and services.
Most of the onshore accommodation facilities suffered damage related to broken glass, broken tiles, broken trees, and fallen lamp posts in the premises; the electricity, air conditioning, and water systems of many facilities were severely damaged, concentrated in Ha Long, Van Don, Cam Pha, and Co To; 27 cruise ships and 4 cargo ships sank; the infrastructure at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port had its roof damaged, and the offices and reception areas of businesses at the port were all damaged. The entire pontoon of wharf No. 3 at Ha Long International Passenger Port was washed away... To quickly restore service and tourism activities, right after the storm, units immediately began to fix the problem, with the earliest goal being to ensure conditions for welcoming guests.
The Ha Long Bay Management Board has also proactively coordinated with departments, branches, sectors and localities to urgently concentrate forces to overcome the damage caused by the storm. Up to now, a number of tourist attractions have met the conditions to welcome and serve tourists. The Ha Long Bay Management Board announced the organization of welcoming and serving tourists at the qualified locations: Route 1 (Thien Cung - Dau Go tourist attractions); Route 2 (Sung Sot, Hang Luon, Ti Top tourist attractions); Route 5 (except Ba Hang).
Quang Ninh: Cleaning Ha Long Bay to welcome tourists back after storm No. 3
According to the representative of the Ha Long Tourist Boat Association, Quang Ninh Tourism Association, almost all 180 tourist boats visiting and staying here are ready to welcome guests again when Quang Ninh province allows tourist boats to operate to transport tourists to visit Ha Long Bay.
Right after the storm passed, many tourist groups, especially international tourists, still came to Ha Long City. Since September 10, the city has welcomed thousands of visitors, most of whom are international tourists.
In addition to the rapid recovery of infrastructure, Quang Ninh tourism industry also focuses on ensuring the safety of tourists. Hygiene, disinfection and disease control measures are still strictly maintained.
Despite facing the consequences of the storm, tourism businesses still ensure to provide the best services to tourists. We believe that with the determination and experience from overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, Ha Long tourism industry will continue to grow stronger after the difficulties.
