As Typhoon Wipha approached Quang Ninh province on July 21, restaurant owners in Bai Chay rushed to reinforce their properties. Among them, Nguyen Thanh Luan, a seafood restaurant owner on Hoang Quoc Viet Street, took extraordinary measures - renting nine industrial containers to block storm winds from his glass storefront.

With each container costing around 6 million VND (approximately $240) per day, Luan’s total daily rental reached 54 million VND, or about $2,100. “We started fortifying this afternoon,” he said. “But this is only a temporary solution. If the typhoon hits hard, I’m still afraid the wind could blow everything away.”

The scene outside his restaurant resembled a fortress. Containers were tightly aligned, leaving only a narrow entry point. On the rooftop, sandbags were placed at vulnerable spots, forming what looked like armor shielding the entire structure.

Last year, Typhoon Yagi devastated this same area, destroying upscale restaurants and businesses along the Cái Dăm commercial strip. Luan’s establishment suffered massive damage. “Everything was nearly flattened,” he recalled. So when forecasts for Typhoon Wipha turned grim, he didn’t hesitate to act.

Across Hoang Quoc Viet Street, other businesses followed suit. Large trucks parked to block wind, and roofs were secured with bricks, sandbags, and water containers. Glass doors and windows were fastened with iron frames.

By the late afternoon, rain was falling heavily in Bai Chay, accompanied by gusty winds. Streets were deserted, and restaurants were closed, with only a few staff members staying behind to manage storm defenses.

Thach Thao - Pham Cong