The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) reported at 4am on September 16, Kalmaegi, the third to hit Vietnam this year, was about 570km southeast of the Haiphong-Quang Ninh coast, sustaining winds of between 118 and 149kmh.
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| Local residents are embracing for the powerful storm |
In the next 12 hours, the storm is expected to intensify as it moves west at around 25-30kmh towards the Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf.
NCHMF Director Hoang Duc Cuong said Kalmaegi is forecast to batter Quang Ninh and Haiphong at around 9-10pm. It will then move further inland and weaken into a tropical low pressure.
As the storm pounds the mainland, it will dump up to 300-400mm of rain on the northern region, especially mountainous areas.
A storm surge will also raise water levels up to 4-5m above ground level in areas from Quang Ninh to Haiphong.
Weather experts warned northern mountain localities of flash floods and landslides, and Red River delta provinces of heavy flooding.
The Prime Minister has delivered an urgent telegram, asking northern localities, especially Haiphong and Quang Ninh, to be well prepared for Kalmaegi.
Accordingly, a massive evacuation of local residents in flood-prone areas must be completed before by 5pm on September 16.
