The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that at 7h on 8/12, a tropical depression was located off the eastern coast of Palaoan (Philippines). It had maximum sustained winds of 49 km/h, level 6, gusting to level 8, and was moving west at 15-20 km/h.
Forecasts indicate that the tropical depression will weaken quickly upon entering the East Sea. By 7h tomorrow, it is expected to weaken into a low-pressure area over the southeastern sea area of the central East Sea.
The Hong Kong Observatory also anticipates the tropical depression will weaken in the coming hours before reaching the East Sea.
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The tropical depression weakens rapidly. Photo: Disaster Monitoring System |
The tropical depression weakens rapidly. Photo: Disaster Monitoring System
Due to the tropical depression, winds in the southeastern sea area of the central East Sea, including the northeastern sea area of the Truong Sa special zone, will gradually strengthen to level 6, gusting to level 8. Sea waves are expected to be 2-4 m high. Vessels operating in this area are likely to be affected.
Yesterday, the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense issued an official dispatch urging coastal provinces from Quang Tri to An Giang to monitor the tropical depression's developments. They are to notify vessels in dangerous areas to proactively avoid them and prepare rescue equipment for any situations that may arise.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts that in December, the East Sea could experience one to two storms or tropical depressions. The Central and South Central regions may see one to two widespread heavy rain events, with rainfall from southern Quang Tri to the northern South Central coast higher than the multi-year average. The risk of flash floods and landslides remains high.
The ENSO (climate oscillation in the Pacific Ocean) phenomenon is expected to continue leaning towards La Nina (a state that increases rain and cold air) until 2/2026, then return to normal from 3/2026 to 5/2026.
By the end of November, the East Sea had experienced 15 storms and tropical depressions, making 2025 the year with the most cyclones since observations began in 1961. Recently, Storm Koto, despite weakening over the sea, still caused heavy rain and landslides in the South Central region. Natural disasters have caused damage of about 100,000 billion VND, leaving 419 people dead and missing.
Gia Chinh
