According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, at 1 PM, the typhoon's center was located in the northeastern area of the north south china sea, with maximum sustained winds of 74 km/h (level 8), and gusts reaching level 10. It is moving northwest at a speed of 15-20 km/h.

By 1 PM tomorrow, the typhoon is forecast to be near the southern coast of guangdong province (China), with intensity reaching level 9 and gusts up to level 11. It is then expected to make landfall and weaken. Both Japanese and Hong Kong observatories predict wind speeds of 72-90 km/h when the typhoon reaches China. Typhoon Mitag poses no direct threat to Vietnam.

The typhoon's influence will bring strong winds of level 6-7, with gusts up to level 9, to the northeastern area of the north south china sea. Near the typhoon's center, winds will reach levels 8-9, with gusts up to level 11, and waves will be 3-5 meters high, posing a danger to vessels.

Projected path of typhoon Mitag. Image: NCHMF

Projected path of typhoon Mitag. Image: NCHMF

Both Japanese and Hong Kong meteorological agencies suggest another tropical cyclone off the Philippines could intensify into a typhoon in the coming days. Upon entering the south china sea, it may reach super typhoon status (level 16). Vietnamese meteorological agencies have not yet issued a forecast for this system.

Since the beginning of the year, the south china sea has seen 8 typhoons and two tropical depressions. Most recently, typhoon Tapah, while not directly impacting Vietnam, brought heavy rain and landslides to several northern mountainous provinces. Earlier, on 30/8, typhoon Nongfa made landfall in central Vietnam with level 8 intensity, isolating many mountainous areas of Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, and Nghe An provinces.

Meteorological agencies predict a higher than average number of typhoons and tropical depressions in the south china sea from October to December (averaging more than 4, with nearly two making landfall).

Gia Chinh