As Storm No. 3 approaches Vietnam’s coast, both Ho Chi Minh City and Quang Ninh province are ramping up emergency measures to mitigate damage and protect lives. The storm’s unpredictable path and intensity have prompted urgent directives and proactive preparations across these regions, highlighting the nation’s commitment to disaster readiness amid challenging weather conditions.
In Ho Chi Minh City (TPHCM), the Chairman of the city issued urgent orders on July 21, 2025, commanding all local authorities, departments, and units to activate detailed response plans. The focus is on mobilizing materials, vehicles, and personnel to deal with the storm’s expected heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding. A recent heavy downpour on July 20 already caused a tree to fall in the city, underscoring the immediate risks posed by the storm’s effects.
Authorities in TPHCM have established a 24/7 duty system to monitor the storm’s progression and anticipate worst-case scenarios. This continuous vigilance ensures rapid response capabilities and timely assistance to residents facing difficulties. Coastal areas, including the Con Dao special district, are prioritizing the safety of people and vessels operating on rivers, seas, and port waters. Coordination for search and rescue operations is being strengthened to prepare for any emergencies.
Key city agencies such as the City Command, Police, Maritime Port Authority, and Border Guard forces are on high alert, ready to deploy personnel and equipment for search and rescue missions as needed. The Department of Construction and related units are tasked with operating floodgates, drainage systems, and mobile water pumps to swiftly address flooding caused by the storm. They are also implementing tree pruning measures to reduce accidents from falling trees during strong winds and heavy rains. The HCMC Green Park Company Ltd. holds responsibility for quickly clearing fallen trees to maintain public safety.
Meanwhile, in Quang Ninh province, the situation remains critical following a recent boat capsizing incident. On the morning of July 21, 2025, search and rescue teams found the body of a missing boy near Titop Island, bringing it ashore for identification. Rescue efforts continue vigorously as authorities spread out to locate other missing persons. However, these operations will pause temporarily once Storm No. 3 causes sea conditions to become too dangerous.
Quang Ninh has already issued a sea ban in anticipation of the storm, mandating all vessels and tourist boats to seek safe harbor. At Tuan Chau port, reporters observed swift action as tourist boats were brought safely to shore after the ban was announced. Local residents are also taking lessons from past storms to better prepare. For example, Nguyen Huu Trong from Tuan Chau shared how he learned from the 2024 Typhoon Yagi, which caused nearly 200 million VND in damages to his home. This year, he proactively removed advertising signs, reinforced his roof, and used foam boxes filled with water to secure his corrugated iron roof against the storm’s impact.
Another resident, Tran Van Cuong, explained that boats were brought ashore and secured with sandbags as a precaution. Unlike previous years, small boats were moved to land instead of being left tied to larger vessels, a change aimed at enhancing safety. These community efforts complement the official response, reflecting a growing awareness and resilience among coastal inhabitants.
As of 10 AM on July 21, Quang Ninh province has mobilized over 1,200 cadres and soldiers for disaster prevention tasks. Additionally, more than 1,400 contractual personnel from Military Region III are on standby, ready to be deployed as the situation demands. This robust human resource deployment underscores the province’s serious approach to disaster management and readiness for any eventuality.
The coordinated responses in both Ho Chi Minh City and Quang Ninh highlight Vietnam’s comprehensive strategy for dealing with natural disasters. From city-wide emergency plans and infrastructure management to community preparedness and active search and rescue operations, authorities are pulling out all stops to safeguard lives and property.
Storm No. 3’s approach serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by climate and weather extremes in the region. Yet, the swift actions taken by officials and citizens alike demonstrate a collective determination to face these challenges head-on. As the storm looms, the nation watches closely, hopeful that these efforts will minimize harm and protect vulnerable communities.
