VI
EN
Given the complex developments of Typhoon Matmo (Typhoon No. 11), a powerful storm predicted to make landfall in northern Vietnam from October 6th and severely impact the weather in the northern and north-central provinces from the night of October 5th, numerous coastal and mountainous provinces in the North have simultaneously activated emergency response plans.
The focus of the measures is to suspend many tourism activities and issue an absolute ban on sea travel, aiming to ensure maximum safety for residents, tourists, and property. Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, and Ninh Binh provinces are leading the way in tightening safety measures for tourism and maritime transport.
Boats are anchored at Ngoc Hai fishing port, Do Son ward, to take shelter from the storm.
Coastal provinces have urgently issued strict and specific time-limited sea bans:
In Hai Phong, the City's Civil Defense Command announced a ban on tourist boats, fishing vessels, and other fishing equipment from going out to sea; simultaneously, all tourism and recreational activities in the coastal and island areas were suspended. The ban took effect at 5 PM on October 4th. Authorities were instructed to complete the process of urging and guiding boats, workers on floating cages, and watchtowers to safe shelters before 7 PM on October 4th.
The City Border Guard Command directed border guard posts to fire flares to call ships and boats, while also preparing rescue equipment and being ready to participate in search and rescue operations. Communes and wards were also instructed to have plans in place to ensure the safety of tourists on islands and coastal areas, and to provide assistance to tourists who have to stay overnight due to the storm.
Hai Phong prepares plans to combat Typhoon No. 11.
Similarly, the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee has requested a temporary suspension of permits for vessels to go out to sea and instructed ships currently operating at sea to move to safe shelters, to be completed before 12 PM on October 5th. More strictly, from 8 AM on October 5th, the province temporarily suspended permits for sightseeing and accommodation activities at sea. Permit issuance will only resume after the final bulletin on Typhoon No. 11 is issued. Coastal tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels have been instructed to proactively reinforce their assets by securing structures with ropes, bracing buildings, and using sandbags. Tourism companies are also proactively advising tourists to postpone, cancel, or change their itineraries accordingly.
Not only coastal provinces, but also mountainous provinces in the North such as Son La, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, and Lao Cai have been warned about the risk of heavy rain due to the storm's circulation. The heaviest rainfall is expected to be concentrated in six provinces: Quang Ninh, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, northern Tuyen Quang, and Lao Cai.
In light of this situation, mountainous provinces are tightening measures to ensure tourism safety. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La province has instructed tourism service businesses and accommodation establishments to closely monitor warning information. The Deputy Director of the Department stated that tourists in tourist areas and destinations will be advised to limit travel depending on weather developments.
Notably, Tuyen Quang province has decided to cancel the Tuyen Quang City Festival Night and the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival in remembrance of Uncle Ho to focus all resources on disaster prevention and mitigation, while also preparing for potential risks when Typhoon No. 11 makes landfall. These actions demonstrate that lessons have been learned from the significant damage caused by floods and landslides in many tourist destinations in the North, such as Mu Cang Chai, Sa Pa, and Moc Chau, following Typhoon No. 10.
According to the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, at 4 PM on October 4th, the center of Typhoon No. 11 was located in the northern part of the East Sea, approximately 440 km east-southeast of Hainan Island (China). It is forecast that by 4 PM on October 5th, the center of the typhoon will be approximately 250 km southeast of Quang Ninh, with a strength of level 12 and gusts of level 15. By 4 AM on October 6th, the typhoon will move into the northern part of the Gulf of Tonkin and gradually weaken, with its center near the coast of Quang Ninh - Hai Phong, with a strength of level 9 and gusts of level 12.
Typhoon No. 11 has caused significant damage to the northern provinces.
The meteorological agency warned that the weather during the storm was extremely dangerous for all tourism, transportation, and maritime activities. Local authorities were instructed to maintain 24/7 duty shifts and coordinate closely with the provincial meteorological and hydrological station to continuously update forecasts.
The Ninh Binh Provincial Civil Defense Command has requested local authorities to review and proactively evacuate residents from dangerous areas, especially river mouths, coastal areas, hilly areas at risk of landslides, and old apartment buildings in urban areas. All efforts are aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and minimizing property damage for both the people and the State. Transportation and tourism vehicles are advised to strictly comply with the ban and refrain from operating in dangerous areas until further notice from relevant authorities.
