Truong Chinh Street around 9 a.m. on 22/7 was deserted, a stark contrast to its usual rush hour congestion. Light rain and wind accompanied Typhoon Wipha as it approached northern Vietnam.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that at 10 a.m., the typhoon made landfall between Hung Yen and Ninh Binh provinces, with maximum wind speeds of 88 km/h (levels 8-9), and gusts reaching level 11. Over the next three hours, the typhoon was expected to move west-southwest at 10-15 km/h.

Few vehicles were seen near the Hanoi Opera House and Trang Tien Street.

On the evening of 21/7, Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Tran Si Thanh issued an official dispatch requesting local authorities to control traffic, guide commuters, and advise residents to stay indoors during the typhoon. Authorities were also instructed to evacuate people from vulnerable houses and areas prone to landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation.

The Trang Tien - Dinh Tien Hoang intersection was empty, with only a few tourists taking advantage of a break in the rain to stroll.

Dinh Tien Hoang Street, in front of the Hanoi Post Office, was almost deserted at noon on 22/7. This central street, usually bustling with activity, was quiet, as many companies allowed employees to work from home.

Near 10 a.m., central Hanoi experienced light winds, no rain, and clear skies. More people and vehicles were out, and some businesses operated normally.

Despite the windy conditions around Hoan Kiem Lake, foreign tourists continued their sightseeing.

The Kim Lien Tunnel also saw fewer vehicles this morning.

Traffic flowed smoothly in both directions at the Nga Tu So - Lang intersection.

Nguyen Trai Street, typically congested with motorbikes and cars during rush hour, was relatively clear this morning.

Thinh Quang Market on Thai Thinh Street saw few buyers and sellers. "The market is less crowded than usual today," said Kim Xuan, a vegetable vendor.

"Sales are lower than usual because many shops are closed, so I'm mostly selling meat in small quantities. The prices are even lower than usual to sell it quickly," said vendor Hoang Thi Thoa.

The Northern Hydro-Meteorological Station forecast moderate rain, with heavy rain in some areas, across Hanoi from 7 a.m. on 21/7 to 7 a.m. on 22/7, with rainfall totals between 20 and 40 mm. Today, wind speeds in the north and west of the city are expected to increase to levels 4-5, with gusts reaching level 6; the central and southern parts of the capital may experience gusts up to levels 7-8.

Strong winds could cause trees to fall, damage houses and transportation infrastructure. The disaster risk level is 3.

Heavy rain is expected to continue today and tomorrow, with some areas potentially exceeding 100 mm, which could overload the drainage system, flood residential areas, and cause traffic jams.

Giang Huy - Vo Hai - Hoang Giang