According to the Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, super typhoon Haiyan weakened into a tropical depression early this morning after finally making landfall in Quang Ninh Province. 

Although the destructive typhoon did not lash the mid-central region as originally expected, 10 people in the region were killed as they were preparing for the typhoon’s arrival.  In detail, 2 deaths were reported in Quang Ngai Province, 3 in Quang Nam Province, and 5 in Thua Thien-Hue Province.  In addition, there were 11 injuries reported.

Police in Lien Chieu District’s Hoa Hiep Nam Ward help residents to secure their roofs

The depression, with wind speeds of 39 - 61kph near its centre, is now expected to move in a northerly and north-easterly direction at a speed of about 25kph.  It is predicted to hit China’s provinces of Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi and weaken into a low-pressure area.