Over 3,000 evacuated from Co To Island to mainland ahead of Typhoon No. 1

In response to the approaching Typhoon No. 1, the island of Co To in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam, safely evacuated 3,147 tourists and residents to the mainland on the afternoon of July 3. Following directives from the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee and relevant authorities, maritime operations from the island were suspended at 5 PM on the same day. In response, the Co To Island Special Zone promptly implemented evacuation plans. In the afternoon of July 3, in coordination with transport companies, 18 vessels were arranged. The final vessel departed Co To Port at 4 PM, carrying 248 passengers to the mainland, completing the transfer before the scheduled suspension of vessel departure permits. By 5 PM, all vessels operating in the area had been called to safe shelters in the Northern Bay Fishing Logistics Service Area and the Kho Gao region. Mooring and vessel counting were conducted strictly, ensuring the safety of people and property before the typhoon's direct impact. The Co To Island Special Zone continues to maintain a 24-hour duty system, closely monitoring the typhoon's developments and preparing to implement response plans based on the "4 at the local level" principle to minimize damage from natural disasters. On the afternoon of July 3, the Waterway Police Team, under the Traffic Police Department of the Quang Ninh Provincial Public Security, mobilized one ship and six motorboats, deploying multiple task forces to call for and guide vessels to safe havens. For cargo ships from other localities unfamiliar with the routes, the Waterway Police assigned officers and soldiers to each vessel to provide information and guidance for moving to the nearest shelters. By 4 PM on the same day, nearly 1,000 vessels operating in the waters of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay had received information from the Waterway Police Team regarding the typhoon's affected areas, trajectory, and locations of shelters. Regarding the situation of typhoon prevention and control, Mr. Nguyen Van Cong, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee and Standing Vice Head of the Provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention, Search and Rescue, and Civil Defense, stated that Quang Ninh has proactively implemented synchronized response plans for Typhoon No. 1. The province promptly informed residents and tourists about the typhoon's developments, imposed a sea ban from 12 PM on July 3, called all vessels at sea to safe shelters, reviewed aquaculture areas, cages, fishing boats, and areas with potential risks, and prepared evacuation plans for people and assets in coastal areas and regions prone to flooding and landslides. Furthermore, the coal industry has proactively implemented production safety measures, and localities have strengthened inspections of dikes, reservoirs, and key projects, preparing adequate forces, equipment, and materials according to the "4 at the local level" principle. Also on the afternoon of July 3, the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee held an online meeting with localities across the province, directing the synchronized implementation of response plans and the readiness of forces and equipment to ensure the safety of the people and minimize damage caused by Typhoon No. 1.