Tropical storm Wipha was set to cross Vietnam's northern coastline on Tuesday morning, with almost 350,000 soldiers on standby as the state weather agency forecast up to 50 cm (20 inches) of rainfall that could cause flooding and mudslides.

Tropical storm Wipha weakened after making landfall in northern Vietnam on Tuesday (July 23), with authorities on alert due to heavy rains that could cause flooding and mudslides, as the Philippines struggled with monsoon downpours that began last week.

Vietnam is on high alert as Typhoon Wipha approaches, prompting flight cancellations and evacuations. The storm, already deadly in the Philippines, is