The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that at 7 a.m. today, Typhoon Mitag was located in the northern part of the South China Sea, about 200 km from Hong Kong. It packed maximum sustained winds of 88 km/h (level 9) with gusts up to level 11, moving northwest at a speed of 15 km/h.

By 7 p.m. today, the typhoon is expected to hit the southern region of Guangdong province, China, with maximum sustained winds of level 8 and gusts up to level 10, maintaining its current direction and intensity. Mitag is then predicted to weaken into a tropical depression and subsequently a low-pressure area.

Both the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Hong Kong Observatory predict Typhoon Mitag will make landfall in China with winds of around 65 km/h and weaken rapidly. The Vietnam Meteorological Agency anticipates that the weakened low-pressure area will drift towards northern Vietnam, causing widespread thunderstorms on September 23-24.

Projected path of Typhoon Mitag. Photo: NCHMF

Projected path of Typhoon Mitag. Photo: NCHMF

Due to the typhoon's influence, the northern part of the South China Sea will experience strong winds of level 6-7, gusting to level 9. Near the typhoon's center, winds will reach levels 8-9, with gusts up to level 11, and waves will reach heights of 3-5 meters. Vessels operating in this area are likely to be affected.

Meanwhile, off the coast of the Philippines, a tropical depression has intensified into Typhoon Ragasa. Both the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Hong Kong Observatory predict that around 23/9, the typhoon will enter the South China Sea with the force of a super typhoon (level 16). Currently, meteorological agencies have not issued any predictions about its potential impact on Vietnam.

Yesterday, the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control issued an official dispatch requesting coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Dak Lak, along with relevant ministries and agencies, to closely monitor the typhoon's development and prepare rescue and relief forces for deployment if needed.

Since the beginning of the year, the South China Sea has witnessed 8 typhoons and 2 tropical depressions. Most recently, Typhoon Tapah did not directly impact Vietnam, but its circulation caused heavy rain and landslides in some northern mountainous provinces. Prior to that, on 30/8, Typhoon Nongfa made landfall in central Vietnam with winds of level 8, isolating many mountainous areas in Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, and Nghe An provinces.

Meteorological agencies forecast that from October to December, the South China Sea will experience a higher than average number of typhoons and tropical depressions (compared to the average of more than 4 storms, with almost 2 making landfall).

Gia Chinh