Vietnam shuts airports, to evacuate 250,000 from coast as Typhoon Bualoi nears
Authorities have suspended operations at four coastal airports, including Da Nang international airport, and adjusted the departure times of several flights.
HANOI: Vietnam closed airports and planned to evacuate more than 250,000 residents from coastal areas on Sunday (Sep 28) as intensifying Typhoon Bualoi barrelled towards the country, days after causing at least 10 deaths and widespread flooding in the Philippines.
The typhoon is currently at sea generating winds of 130 kmh and is expected to make landfall at 7.00 pm local time, according to the country's meteorological agency.
"This is a rapidly moving storm - nearly twice the average speed - with strong intensity and a broad area of impact. It is capable of triggering multiple natural disasters simultaneously, including powerful winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, flash floods, landslides, and coastal inundation," the agency added.
Heavy rain has already caused flooding in Hue and Quang Tri, the government said.
Central Vietnam's largest city Da Nang plans to evacuate more than 210,000 residents, state media reported, while more than 32,000 residents of Hue living near coastal areas are also set to be moved to safer areas.
More than 15,000 residents in Ha Tinh - known as a key steel production hub - have been slated for evacuation to schools and medical centres converted into temporary shelters, authorities said.
Nearly 117,000 military personnel have been mobilised. Fishing boats in the typhoon's path have been called back to harbour.
Vietnam suspended operations at four coastal airports from Sunday, including Da Nang international airport, and adjusted the departure times of several flights, the Civil Aviation Authority said.
With a long coastline facing the South China Sea, Vietnam is prone to typhoons that are often deadly. Last year, Typhoon Yagi killed around 300 people and caused US$3.3 billion of property damage.
