Quang Ninh, July 20 -- Tropical storm Wipha is closing in on northern Vietnam, with its erratic path prompting urgent preparations in Quang Ninh province and the port city of Hai Phong to safeguard residents, infrastructure, and economic assets ahead of an anticipated landfall.

In Quang Ninh, locals are reinforcing rooftops, securing aquaculture rafts, and steering fishing vessels to safe harbors. Tourist boats have been relocated to designated storm shelters to shield visitors and operators.

Competent forces have issued an urgent directive suspending departure permits for passenger boats in the province.

In Hai Phong, a bustling coastal city, authorities activated a full-scale storm response by 1 pm on July 20, coordinating across age...