Typhoon Bualoi made landfall in Vietnam before midnight on Sunday, triggering floods, airport closures and evacuations of thousands of residents.

The storm hit Vietnam just north of its largest province, sooner than predicted, with a speed of over 130 kilometers (80 miles) per hour.

It caused extensive damage, ripping roofs from buildings and uprooting electrical poles along the country's coast.

Bualoi causes death and destruction

At least 13 people have lost their lives, news agencies reported citing Vietnamese officials.

A dozen fishermen were also reported missing amid a sea surge.

The Vietnamese government had mobilized thousands of military personnel to provide assistance.

Authorities said they had evacuated over 53,000 people to schools and medical centers converted into temporary shelters ahead of Bualoi hitting Vietnam.

They have also closed four airports and part of a national highway.  

More than 180 flights have been cancelled or delayed, airport authorities said.

Vietnam prone to typhoons

Since making landfall in Vietnam, the storm has weakened as it moves toward neighbouring Laos.

Bualoi had hit the neighboring Philippines days ago, killing at least 24, the AFP news agency reported on Monday citing a civil defense official. It also caused widespread flooding there.

Vietnam, which has a long coastline facing the South China Sea, is prone to typhoons that are often deadly.

In the first seven months of this year, over 100 people were killed or went missing from natural disasters, according to the country's Agriculture Ministry.

Last year, Typhoon Yagi caused around 300 fatalities and $3.3 billion (€2.8 billion) worth of economic damage.

Edited by: Zac Crellin, Karl Sexton