The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that at 1 p.m. today, the tropical depression had maximum sustained winds of 49 km/h (level 6), with gusts reaching level 8. It was located approximately 500 km from the Paracel Islands.

This afternoon and tonight, the tropical depression is forecast to move northwest at a speed of 15 km/h. By 1 p.m. tomorrow, it is expected to be about 240 km from the Paracel Islands, maintaining its intensity, and its speed will increase to 15-20 km/h.

By 1 p.m. on 26/6, the tropical depression is projected to strengthen to level 6-7, with gusts reaching level 9, while situated in the waters northeast of Hainan Island (China).

Due to the influence of the tropical depression, the northern South China Sea (including the Paracel Islands) will experience thunderstorms and strong winds of level 6-7, with gusts up to level 9, and waves of 2-4 m. Vessels operating in these dangerous areas are likely to be impacted by thunderstorms, squalls, strong winds, and large waves.

Projected path and area of influence of the tropical depression on 24/6. Photo: NCHMF

Ten days ago, the first typhoon of the year, Wutip, did not make landfall in Vietnam, but its western circulation caused heavy rainfall in the central region from 11/6 to 13/6. Rainfall totals ranged from 300 to 650 mm from Quang Tri to Da Nang, with some areas receiving even higher amounts, such as Nam Dong (Hue) with 768 mm.

The heavy rain caused the Thach Han River (Quang Tri) and Bo River (Hue) to exceed alarm level 3, the highest level. The Huong and Vu Gia rivers exceeded alarm level 2. The Kien Giang River (Quang Binh) also surpassed alarm level 3 and receded slowly.

The floods resulted in 11 deaths in Hue City, Quang Tri, and Quang Binh. Over 3,500 houses were flooded, and about 88,000 hectares of crops were submerged. Dozens of points on national and provincial highways experienced landslides and flooding. Traffic and air travel were disrupted, with over 20 flights from Da Nang cancelled or delayed. The Miss Universe Vietnam finale, scheduled for the evening of 14/6 on the Huong River, had to be postponed.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting assessed Wutip as an unusual and extreme typhoon, rarely seen in the meteorological history of the central region. It was the first typhoon in the South China Sea to appear in June in over 40 years and the first to cause such heavy rain in the north-central region in June since 1952. The typhoon's circulation caused an early and unusual flood, with many areas experiencing their highest June flood peaks in 30 years.

This year, 11-13 typhoons and tropical depressions are forecast to form in the South China Sea, with 5-6 potentially directly affecting the mainland. Northern Vietnam faces a high risk from July to September, while the central and southern regions are at risk from September to November.

Gia Chinh