Once it was in the South China Sea, it is speculated the storm strengthened again as it entered the Gulf of Tonkin, passing very close to Hainan before it hit the city of Haiphong.

The typhoon first moved through the Philippines, causing heavy damage on Camarines, Tayabas, and Batangas.

[4] The city of Haiphong lies about 10 miles from the coast of the Gulf of Tonkin[2] and also on the Red River in a low elevation area (delta),[3] connected to an access channel.

With the high waves and winds, rice fields were flooded, buildings were decimated (and, as a result, people either were drowned or left stranded), trees were ripped up, etc.

However, Haiphong still serves as a port (and a major one today), so any large storms will harm the economy.