A tropical depression has formed in the East Sea and is likely to hit central Viet Nam this week.

The expected path of the tropical depression

At 7.00pm on Thursday, the tropical depression was about 200km (124 miles) southeast of the Spratly Islands, the National Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting Centre reported.

It is forecast to move westwards and will be around 220km southeast of Viet Nam’s Phu Quy Island, part of Binh Thuan Province at 7.00pm on Friday.

In the next 24 hours, the depression is expected to trigger strong winds, stormy rains and rough seas in waters near the Spratly Islands and from Ninh Thuan to Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces, the centre said.

The depression comes at a time when central provinces are still in the throes of deadly floods that have hit in recent days.

At least 8 people have died and 2 more are reported missing in the region, according to official figures.

(Source: VnExpress)