Tropical Storm Wipha Brings Destruction Across East Asia, Killing Dozens and Causing Massive Flooding

Strategic Insights -

The tropical storm Wipha has made a second landfall in Vietnam, bringing torrential rain and strong winds to the region, after lashing China earlier this week. The storm has caused widespread destruction, killing dozens and leaving thousands displaced. Heavy rain in China's eastern province of Shandong has killed two people and left 10 people missing, while in Vietnam, authorities have evacuated nearly 350,000 soldiers to standby positions as the country braces for up to 50cm of rain in affected regions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tropical Storm Wipha made a second landfall in Vietnam on Tuesday, bringing sustained winds of up to 102 kmph and heavy rain, causing widespread destruction and displacement.
  • The storm has killed dozens of people in China and Vietnam, with two people killed in Shandong province and 10 people missing, in addition to the 307 deaths or disappearances reported in China in the first half of 2025.
  • Heavy rain in Shandong province caused flash floods, damaging homes and cutting off access to mountain villages, with more than 360mm of rain falling in just five hours.
  • Over 150,000 hectares of aquaculture farms and over 20,000 floating fish cages were reported at risk, according to state media.
  • Authorities in Hanoi urged people to stay indoors and evacuate flood-prone buildings, while in Hong Kong and parts of mainland China, the storm knocked down trees, grounded flights, and caused widespread power outages.
  • Researchers attribute the intensification of storms like Wipha to rising sea surface temperatures, fueled by climate change, which are making typhoons stronger and wetter.

Statistics:

  • At least 307 deaths or disappearances reported in China in the first half of 2025.
  • Economic losses exceeding $7.6bn, according to Reuters.
  • Over 80,000 people remain in emergency shelters in the Philippines following weekend floods and landslides.
  • The monsoon system has caused widespread destruction across Asia, with Thailand warning of possible 4-meter tides and flash floods.
  • Nearly 350,000 soldiers were placed on standby in Vietnam as the country braced for up to 50cm of rain in affected regions.

Sources:

  • Vietnam's national weather agency.
  • Xinhua news agency.
  • Reuters.
  • AP News.