Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stressed Vietnam's readiness to protect its citizens overseas amid the growing threat of Super Typhoon Yagi, also known as Typhoon No. 3.

Vietnam's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang at a regular press briefing. Photo: Cam Anh

Vietnam has formally requested assistance from China and the Philippines to provide shelter, rescue support, and assistance to Vietnamese vessels in need during the typhoon.

At a regular press briefing on September 5, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang provided information on the government's protection measures for Vietnamese citizens abroad as Super Typhoon Yagi gains strength. "Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed all ministries, agencies, and localities to take immediate, decisive, and effective measures to respond to Typhoon No. 3 with the highest level of preparedness," she said.

Following the typhoon warnings, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directed Vietnamese diplomatic missions in China and the Philippines to liaise with local authorities to request shelter and support for Vietnamese vessels, including rescue operations and repairs if necessary.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also sent official notes to the Chinese and Philippine embassies in Hanoi, asking them to coordinate with their agencies to support Vietnamese vessels and set up 24-hour contact points to ensure timely domestic and international assistance in dealing with Typhoon No. 3," Pham Thu Hang added.

 According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, as of 13:00 on September 5, Typhoon Yagi was located about 460 kilometers east of China's Hainan Island, with maximum winds near its center reaching force 16 (184-201 km/h) and gusts exceeding force 17. The storm is moving west at a speed of 10 km/h.