HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam braced for Typhoon Wipha on Monday as coastal provinces were placed on emergency alert and airlines canceled flights ahead of the storm’s expected landfall early Tuesday.

Typhoon Wipha is approaching Northern Vietnam as it hit China’s Leizhou Peninsula and was about 275km to the east of the Quang Ninh – Hai Phong coast at 4a.m. on July 21.

Zurich Insurance and other providers reported a lower number of claims a day after Typhoon Wipha lashed the city.

Vietnam is preparing for Typhoon Wipha, with emergency alerts in coastal provinces and flight cancellations. The typhoon threatens to bring severe weather, including heavy winds and floods, to northern mountainous regions and urban areas.

The Vietnam Airlines Group, encompassing Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and Vasco, announced comprehensive flight modifications for July 21 to ensure safety for passengers and crew members as Typhoon Wipha intensifies its approach towards Vietnam’s northern coast.

Asean disaster management officials began conducting a simulation exercise on Monday to review SOPs and improve the region's preparedness to face crises.

Typhoon Wipha caused severe weather in southern China and Hong Kong, leading to flash floods, landslides, and disrupted transportation. Guangdong and other coastal provinces faced heavy rainfall and wind hazards.