The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that at 7 a.m. today, the tropical depression had sustained winds of 49 km/h, level 6, with gusts reaching level 8 over the northwestern waters of the Paracel Islands. In the coming hours, the depression is projected to move northwest at a speed of 10-15 km/h.

By 7 a.m. tomorrow, the tropical depression is expected to maintain its intensity and direction, increasing its speed to 15 km/h as it moves over land west of Hainan Island (China). By 7 a.m. on 19/8, the depression is predicted to weaken to below level 6 over the Vietnam-China border region.

Due to the influence of the tropical depression, the northwestern area of the South China Sea (including the Paracel Islands) is expected to experience thunderstorms and strong winds of level 6-7, with gusts reaching 8-9, and waves reaching 2-3.5 m.

Projected path and affected area of the tropical depression. Photo: NCHMF

The Hong Kong Observatory predicts that after passing over Hainan Island, the tropical depression will regain strength to 55 km/h before making landfall in Quang Ninh province.

From early morning on 18/8, the Gulf of Tonkin will experience increasing winds up to level 6, with gusts of level 8, and waves of 2-3 m. Vessels operating in this dangerous area are likely to be affected by thunderstorms, squalls, strong winds, and large waves.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued an official dispatch to coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Khanh Hoa, and related agencies, urging them to closely monitor the tropical depression's development. The dispatch emphasized the importance of strictly managing vessels going out to sea, ensuring vessel owners and captains are informed of the depression's location and movement to take proactive preventive measures, and preparing rescue forces and equipment.

Since the beginning of the year, four typhoons have formed in the South China Sea, two of which have impacted Vietnam. The most recent, Typhoon Wipha, made landfall between Hung Yen and Ninh Binh provinces. While not particularly strong, the typhoon caused heavy rainfall, especially in Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces, resulting in two deaths from flash floods and landslides, and five injuries. 687 houses were damaged or had their roofs blown off. Over 119,000 hectares of rice, primarily in Ninh Binh, were flooded. Many households in mountainous areas of Nghe An province had to evacuate during the night, with floodwaters reaching over a meter high in some homes.

A month ago, meteorological agencies forecast that approximately seven storms would develop in the South China Sea by October, with three expected to make landfall.

Gia Chinh