According to Vietnam's National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Matmo is moving rapidly on a west-northwest track and is likely to strengthen significantly in the coming 48 hours. By Sunday, as it nears the Gulf of Tonkin, its wind speeds could reach severe typhoon levels with gusts well over 160 km/h (100 mph).
The primary threat to the Vietnamese mainland is expected to be the storm's vast circulation, which is projected to bring devastating rainfall. Beginning Saturday night (October 4) and lasting for several days, the northern and north-central provinces are forecast to receive between 100-200 mm (4-8 inches) of rain, with some coastal areas, particularly from Thanh Hóa to Quảng Ninh, potentially seeing over 250 mm (10 inches).
This deluge poses a critical danger to a region already saturated by previous storms, including the recent Typhoon Bualoi. Officials have issued urgent warnings for the high risk of flash floods in mountainous provinces such as Lao Cai, Yen Bai, and Ha Giang, as well as landslides in hilly areas. Urban centers and low-lying agricultural plains in the Red River Delta are also bracing for significant inundation.
In response, disaster management agencies have been activated along the coast. An urgent advisory has been broadcast to thousands of fishing vessels, ordering them to return to port and seek safe shelter immediately. Provincial authorities are finalizing evacuation plans for communities in high-risk areas and are reinforcing dykes and other flood-prevention systems.
The impending storm places additional pressure on relief efforts still underway from previous weather events. The government has stressed the need for proactive measures to minimize damage, urging local leaders to ensure the safety of residents and to prepare resources for potential search, rescue, and relief operations. For millions of people across Northern Vietnam, the next few days will be a critical period of watching and waiting as Typhoon Matmo draws nearer.