A tropical depression in the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago has gained strength and is closing in South Vietnam, according to Vietnam's National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHF).
Typhoon Pabuk is heading to the South of Vietnam. Photo: nchmf
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On the morning on January 2, Typhoon Pabuk was about 460 km from the mainland of southern provinces, about 360 km from Con Dao to the southeast. The maximum wind power is still about 75 km/h (level 8), with two levels of shock.
The center noted that over the next 24 hours, the storm is expected to move to west-southwest at 10-15 kilometers per hour. At 1pm on January 3, the eye of the storm will be located around 220 kilometers to the southeast of Ca Mau province in Vietnam's southern tip, with wind speeds remaining unchanged.
NCHF said Pabuk is projected to move south and cross Ca Mau tip but not to make landfall in Vietnam, adding that there will be thunderstorms and rough waters around islands in the East Sea (South China Sea).
Still keeping pace and direction, Pabuk is expected to be stronger. At 7am on January 4, the storm eye will likely be about 320 km west of Ca Mau Cape, about 220 km from Tho Chu Island (Kien Giang) to the west of the southwest. Maximum wind power is forecast to reach about 90 km/h (level 9), level 11 jerks and can be stronger.
With the effects of the storm and extreme cold spells, strong winds are forecast to hit the western area of the East Sea, as well as seas of provinces from Quang Ngai to Binh Thuan and from Ba Ria – Vung Tau to Ca Mau.
Flood warnings have been issued for rivers from Thua Thien-Hue, home to the popular tourist destination Hue, to Ninh Thuan province, and landslides are also forecast along rivers and low-lying areas.
Preparing for the upcoming storm, from 12am on January 1, the Ca Mau province People’s Committee prohibited boats and ships from operating in the provincial sea.
Authorities of coastal provinces from Quang Ngai to Ca Mau and Kien Giang urged related agencies including rescue forces and media to track the storm’s movement, monitor ships and mobilize search and rescue teams in case of emergency.
