The tropical depression is currently located in the central Philippines, moving west-northwest at 20-25 km/h. At 7 am, its maximum wind speed was 61 km/h, at level 7, with gusts reaching level 9, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

The tropical depression is expected to strengthen into a typhoon today and enter the East Sea tonight. By 7 am tomorrow, the typhoon will be in the eastern part of the Central East Sea, maintaining its direction and speed with maximum winds at level 8 and gusts at level 10.

Forecast track of the tropical depression, morning 25/11. *Photo: NCHMF*

By 7 am on 27/11, the typhoon is forecast to be in the Central East Sea, with maximum winds reaching level 9-10 and gusts up to level 12. Its speed is expected to slow to 15 km/h.

International meteorological agencies have also issued forecasts for the storm. The Japan Meteorological Agency predicts the typhoon's maximum wind speed could reach 108 km/h by 27/11. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Observatory suggests the typhoon will reach its peak intensity of 110 km/h while in the Central East Sea, before veering north as it approaches the coast.

The tropical depression will significantly impact sea conditions. Starting this evening, the eastern Central East Sea and the northeastern South East Sea will experience increasing winds, reaching level 6-9 and gusting up to level 11, with waves 3-5 meters high. From the afternoon of 26/11 to 28/11, the Central East Sea and the northern South East Sea, including the northern Truong Sa archipelago, could experience strong winds at level 10-11, with gusts up to level 14.

While the tropical depression remains distant, Vietnam's meteorological agency has not yet issued an assessment of its impact on the mainland. However, the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense, in a dispatch sent yesterday to coastal provinces from Quang Tri to An Giang and various ministries, anticipates that the typhoon will head towards Central Vietnam. This region is already severely affected by recent floods.

The Steering Committee has urged Southern Central provinces to prioritize recovery efforts from the recent floods, including restoring production, stabilizing daily life, and preparing for the upcoming natural disaster. Local authorities must closely monitor the tropical depression's developments, informing captains and vessel owners operating at sea to take proactive precautions and adjust their operational plans to ensure the safety of people and property.

Ministries and sectors are tasked with proactively directing and coordinating with local authorities in their response efforts. They must also ensure that forces and resources are ready for deployment in rescue operations should the situation require it.

This year, the East Sea has seen 14 typhoons and five tropical depressions, making 2025 the second most active year in three decades, surpassed only by 2017 with 20 storms. Notably, typhoons Wutip, Wipha, Kajiki, Nongfa, Ragasa, Bualoi, Matmo, Fengshen, and Kalmaegi either directly impacted or caused heavy floods in Northern and Central Vietnam.

Beyond typhoons, a combination of adverse weather conditions, including cold air and disturbances within the easterly wind zone, has led to severe floods in Central and Southern Central Vietnam. From 15/11 to 21/11, Southern Central Vietnam experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall, leading to the highest flood levels in over 50 years. This resulted in 91 deaths, 11 missing persons, and economic losses exceeding 13,000 billion VND.

The meteorological agency forecasts that the East Sea could experience one to two typhoons or tropical depressions in the next month, potentially affecting the Vietnamese mainland.

Gia Chinh