Vietnam is bracing for another powerful storm! A tropical depression is rapidly strengthening, set to bring high winds and heavy seas to Hoang Sa and central coastal regions. Will communities be ready for the intense conditions predicted, especially after the devastation of previous typhoons? Stay informed as this weather system develops!
Vietnam is currently on high alert as a formidable tropical depression, situated southeast of the strategically vital Hoang Sa special zone, is poised to escalate into a powerful storm, bringing with it winds of up to Level 8 and gusts reaching Level 10. This meteorological event represents a significant challenge for the nation, prompting urgent preparations across vulnerable coastal areas and islands.
As reported by the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the system exhibited winds of 61 km/h, categorised at Level 6-7 with gusts to Level 9, while tracking northwest at 15 km/h. Forecasters anticipate its full transformation into a storm by the close of today, marking an escalating threat to marine activities and land-based infrastructure. This developing tropical depression in Vietnam demands immediate attention.
By tomorrow morning, the intensified storm is projected to traverse the sea between Nghe An and Hue, where wind speeds are expected to peak at Level 8, with gusts soaring to Level 10. The system’s continued west-northwest trajectory at 20 km/h will generate tumultuous seas, with waves reaching heights of 3-5 meters, posing extreme hazards for all maritime operations in the affected zones. The Hoang Sa weather conditions are expected to be particularly severe.
The current storm threat follows a tumultuous year for Vietnam, marked by a series of severe weather events, including the recent Typhoon Kajiki which devastated the North Central region on August 26. That typhoon, with winds of Level 10-11 and gusts up to Level 13, caused widespread destruction, resulting in six confirmed fatalities, two missing persons, and 47 injuries, underscoring the profound human cost of such natural disasters.
Infrastructure damage from previous storms has been extensive, with 34 homes completely collapsing and nearly 31,100 suffering roof damage, predominantly in Ha Tinh. Additionally, close to 4,000 residences experienced severe flooding. Public services were also severely impacted, as 407 schools, 48 medical facilities, and 72 government buildings sustained significant structural and roof damage, highlighting vulnerabilities across vital community assets.
The agricultural sector faces immense losses, with approximately 95,000 hectares of rice fields, mainly in Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Ninh Binh, inundated and damaged. Further compounding the crisis, over 11,000 hectares of diverse crops and 9,700 hectares of fruit trees have been ravaged. The livestock industry also reported heavy casualties, with more than 53,000 animals swept away, alongside significant damage to aquaculture farms and cages.
Transportation networks have been severely disrupted across several provinces, documenting 456 landslides and 13 damaged bridges that have impeded both local and inter-provincial travel. Furthermore, the storms triggered massive power outages, initially affecting 1.6 million customers, with 700,000 still without electricity, significantly hindering recovery efforts and daily life. This widespread impact highlights the need for robust natural disaster preparedness.
In response to the escalating situation, Vietnamese authorities have activated comprehensive emergency protocols, issuing urgent warnings to residents in the path of the storm. Advisories emphasize preparation for high winds, torrential rains, and elevated sea levels, with continuous monitoring and the implementation of evacuation measures where deemed necessary to protect lives and property from the coastal flood warning areas.
As the storm progresses inland, its intensity is expected to diminish, yet the risk to local infrastructure and agriculture remains critically high. Residents and travelers are strongly advised to consult the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting for real-time updates and government advisories, ensuring access to accurate information for safe navigation through this challenging Southeast Asia weather event.
