Vietnam prepares dike defenses for Storm Mayak on northern coast

On July 3, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued a directive to the provinces of Quảng Ninh, Hải Phòng, Hưng Yên, Ninh Bình and Thanh Hóa to secure the dike system against Storm No. 1 (international name Mayak) and the expected post‑storm floods. The system, which intensified from a tropical depression to a storm, was located about 90 km south of Haidao Island (China) at 10:00 UTC on July 3, with wind speeds of 62‑88 km/h and gusts up to 113 km/h. Forecasts indicated the storm would move into the Gulf of Tonkin, affecting the northeastern region from July 4‑7 and causing possible river flooding on the Lô, Thái Bình and other rivers, prompting alerts of level I‑II. Provinces were instructed to inspect and reinforce vulnerable dike sections, complete unfinished works, strengthen seaward sections, and maintain patrols. Hưng Yên province imposed a maritime ban from 16:00 on July 3, halting fishing and other activities and directing vessels to safe anchorage.

Earlier, on July 1, the National Civil‑Defense Steering Committee sent a circular to all coastal provinces from Quảng Ninh to Khánh Hòa and to several ministries, urging close monitoring of a tropical depression that could develop into a storm, strict control of vessels, public safety messaging, and readiness of rescue resources. The directive emphasized proactive measures to protect residents, tourists and marine‑based economic activities along Vietnam’s eastern seaboard.