HANOI / VIENTIANE - Northern and central localities of Vietnam have taken precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impacts of Typhoon Wipha, which is forecast to make landfall in the country on Monday evening, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Authorities in the affected areas have begun evacuating residents from high-risk zones, including river mouths, coastal areas, riverbanks, and locations prone to landslides.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed local administrations to enforce sea travel bans and suspend the operations of fishing, cargo and tourist vessels based on local conditions.

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He emphasized that no individuals should be allowed to remain on boats when the typhoon comes ashore.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has canceled several domestic flights connecting to the northern port city of Hai Phong on Monday.

Laos

In neighboring Laos, the weather bureau issued a warning of increased risk of flash floods and landslides as Typhoon Wipha, the sixth typhoon of the year, is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms across the country.

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As Typhoon Wipha weakens into a tropical storm near Vietnam between Monday and Tuesday, it is expected to affect northern and central parts of Laos, bringing light to moderate thunderstorms in most areas, along with heavy rain and strong winds in some central and southern parts, according to a report from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, under the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.