The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that at 7h, the tropical depression's center was located over the northeastern part of the central Bien Dong. It had maximum sustained winds of 49 km/h, at level 6, gusting to level 8, and was moving west-northwest at about 10 km/h.

Over the next 24 hours, the tropical depression is forecast to continue its west-northwest trajectory at 15-20 km/h. It is expected to enter the southern waters of the northern Bien Dong and strengthen to level 7, gusting to level 8.

By the morning of 3/7, the system is expected to move northward into the waters north of the Hoang Sa archipelago. There is a possibility it could strengthen into a storm with winds of level 8-9, gusting to level 12. Subsequently, the storm will continue its northwestward movement at 15-20 km/h.

International meteorological agencies have not yet issued assessments on this tropical depression.

Forecast track of the tropical depression on 1/7. Photo: NCHMF

Due to the tropical depression, the eastern waters of the northern and central Bien Dong, including the Hoang Sa archipelago, are experiencing strong winds at level 6, later increasing to level 7, gusting to level 10. Sea waves are 2-3 m high, with waves near the center of the tropical depression reaching 3-4 m.

The meteorological agency warns that all vessels operating in the danger zone face risks from thunderstorms, whirlwinds, strong winds, and high waves. They should regularly update on the tropical depression's developments for proactive prevention.

In response to the tropical depression's developments, the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense has sent a document requesting People's Committees of coastal provinces and cities to closely monitor forecasts and warnings. They are to promptly inform vessel owners, captains, and all maritime craft operating at sea to proactively take preventive measures, ensuring the safety of people and property.

The committee also instructed localities to maintain communication with vessels, prepare rescue forces and equipment for emergencies, organize diligent duty shifts, and regularly report developments for timely response coordination.

Since the beginning of the year, one tropical depression has formed in the Bien Dong, but it did not affect Vietnam. The meteorological agency anticipates about 5 storms and tropical depressions in the Bien Dong from june to august, which is typical for many years. Nearly two of these are likely to directly impact Vietnam's mainland. From september to december, storm and tropical depression activity is expected to be below the multi-year average.

Despite a projected decrease in the number of storms, the meteorological agency warns of a high risk of extreme weather phenomena, including localized heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides, particularly in the mountainous areas of the Northern and Central regions.

In 2025, the Bien Dong recorded 21 storms and tropical depressions, the highest since data collection began in 1961. Natural disasters resulted in 484 deaths and missing persons, causing economic damage exceeding 104,700 billion dong, making it one of Vietnam's most devastating years for natural disasters.

Gia Chinh