The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting announced that a tropical depression formed near the equator, crossed Malaysia from the Indian Ocean, and entered the Pacific Ocean. This trajectory is considered very rare in meteorological history. At 13:00 on 29/11, its center was close to Malaysia's eastern coast, with winds of force 6-7, gusting to force 9, and moving northeast at approximately 15 km/h.

Forecasts indicate that by noon tomorrow, the tropical depression will enter the southwestern waters of the southern East Sea, strengthening to force 7, gusting to force 9. It will then continue northeast, maintaining its intensity. Japan's meteorological agency predicts the cyclone could strengthen into a typhoon and move towards Vietnam's South Central Coast region.

Two tropical cyclones could appear simultaneously in the East Sea. *Photo: Disaster Monitoring System*

Meteorological agencies describe this as a special phenomenon because the cyclone combines several rare factors: it originated from the weakened low-pressure area of Typhoon Senyar, formed near the equator, and is moving across from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

The emergence of this tropical depression means two cyclone systems are simultaneously active in the East Sea. Typhoon Koto is currently about 190 km northwest of Song Tu Tay island, with winds of force 10, gusting to force 13, and moving southwest. Forecasts for 30/11 indicate Typhoon Koto will maintain its course towards the central East Sea, weakening to force 9, gusting to force 12, and will be approximately 280 km from Gia Lai's eastern coastal area.

The simultaneous presence of these two weather systems could cause strong winds of force 6-7, gusting to force 9, and waves 2,5-4 m high in the southwestern waters of the southern East Sea. Vessels are advised to limit activities in this hazardous area.

Since the beginning of the year, the East Sea has recorded 15 typhoons and 5 tropical depressions, marking the highest level in three decades and comparable to 2017. Natural disasters, primarily typhoons and floods, have resulted in 409 fatalities and caused economic damage exceeding 85 trillion VND.

Gia Chinh