Starting at noon on July 22, Hai Phong suspended all inland water transport activities, river and sea ferry services, the Phu Long-Cat Hai cable car system, and tourism and entertainment activities in coastal areas.
The municipal government also asked relevant agencies to broadcast announcements, calling on boats and ships operating in the sea to seek shelter and prevent fishing vessels and waterway transport vehicles from operating during strong winds and waves.
Hai Phong authorities also requested prompt measures, to evacuate people in low-lying, coastal and riverside areas, tourism areas and areas highly prone to landslides.
In neighbouring Quang Ninh Province, boats and ships were also banned from going to the sea from noon on July 22.
The provincial government asked relevant agencies to provide storm information to vehicles operating in the sea to navigate away from the danger zones and move to safe shelter places.
The province also directed reinforcing aquafarming facilities and evacuating people in marine production areas to the mainland, prioritising women, children and the elderly.
According to the national weather agency, as of 1 pm on July 22, Prapiroon was located at 20.0 degrees north latitude and 108.8 degrees east longitude, about 120 kilometres east of Bach Long Vi Island.
The storm packs winds of up to 102 kilometres per hour near its centre, with gusts of up to 149 kilometres per hour. The storm is moving in a northwestern direction at a speed of 10 kilometres per hour.
Heavy rains are expected from the evening of July 22 to July 24 in the northern region and Thanh Hoa Province, with rainfall in the range of 100-200 millimetres, and over 300 millimetres in some areas.
