Tropical Storm Wipha, the third to strike Vietnam this year, has weakened to a tropical depression after lashing Quang Ninh Province and bringing torrential rains and strong gusts to other northern and north-central localities on Friday night.

Localities affected by the storm-caused rains include Quang Ninh, Dien Bien, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Lang Son and Thanh Hoa Provinces, and the capital Hanoi and the port city of Hai Phong.

The tropical depression is forecast to move in the west and southwest direction at the speed of 10km per hour, according to updates issued by the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting at 7:00 am on Saturday.

Once it reaches the south of northern delta, the weather pattern will continue to weaken, the center said.

Despite this, the center warned of high risk of floods, flash floods and landslides in localities from the northern region to the north-central province of Thanh Hoa.

A fallen tree is seen in the aftermath of typhoon Wypha in Mong Cai, northern Vietnam, August 3, 2019. Photo: P. Anh

A fallen tree is seen in the aftermath of typhoon Wypha in Mong Cai, northern Vietnam, August 3, 2019. Photo: P. Anh

In Quang Ninh, Typhoon Wypha swept through Mong Cai City, inundating and uprooting treets on several streets, as well as sending the water level of Ka Long River to a threatening level and posing risks to the city’s low land areas.

In Thanh Hoa Province, the Vietnam News Agency reported that a village chief was killed in landslides in Muong Lat District, whereas 34 houses in Quan Hoa and Quan Son Districts suffered from damage. 

In Hanoi, the storm has left many streets flooded and trees felled, while torrential rains that lasted through Friday night also uprooted many trees in the downtown area of Hai Phong.

A flooded street is seen in the aftermath of typhoon Wypha in Dien Bien, northern Vietnam, August 2, 2019. Photo: VT

A fallen tree is seen in the aftermath of typhoon Wypha in Hai Phong, northern Vietnam, August 3, 2019. Photo: Tien Thang / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!