In Mong Cai city, the municipal power company cut off electricity supply in the whole city to ensure safety and security.

Strong winds toppled trees and caused widespread blackouts. Local people were warned to stay indoors during the height of the storm.

Rammasun, accompanied by strong winds, brought down big trees in Quang Ninh.

Quang Ninh has evacuated hundreds of households in flood-prone areas and moved thousands of fishing cages in low-lying areas. It has imposed a travel ban in the Bac Luan and Ka Long rivers.

The national centre for hydro-meteorological forecasting said at 05.00 am on July 19 Rammasun was heading towards the Vietnam-China border, packing winds of nearly 150km/h near its centre.

After travelling further inland, the storm will weaken due to interaction with rugged terrain, but lash a large area with heavy rain.

Rammasun is forecast to batter northern coastal provinces on July 19, causing sea surges, heavy rain, widespread flooding, and possible landslides and flash floods in mountainous localities.

To support the search and rescue work, a total of 6 helicopters, 243 vessels, 888 motorised ferries, and 70 amphibious vehicles were put on standby.