A new tropical depression packing with the strongest sustained winds of level 8, which recently evolved from a low pressure system in the southeastern part of the Philippines, is likely to enter the East Sea in the coming hours, the Mid-Central Region Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting gave the warning in its latest bulletin.

The expected track of the tropical depression (Source: The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting)

The constantly strengthening tropical depression is now on sustainable track to move rapidly in the west-northwestward at about 25-30 kph, and then secure its berth on the East Sea whilst gaining in intensity step by step on its journey.

At 1.00pm tomorrow, Sunday, the centre of the depression  is projected to be near altitude 10°4’N and longitude 113°6’E altitude, about 140km southwestern off Song Tu Tay (Southwest Cay) Islet on the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago, packing with the strongest sustained winds of level 8 (60 - 75kph), with a gale of level 10

In the next 48 to 72 hours, the depression will have a high likelihood of traveling in the southwestern course at about 10 - 15 kph, and potentially getting stronger to strengthen into a storm.

In order to proactively respond to new tropical depression and possible widespread downpours, Viet Nam's National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control is urging the authorities of coastal localities to inform their fishing boats of the predicted movement of the tropical depression, hereby allow them to take the initiative to avoid dangerous areas or seek safe shelters.

In the coming days, Da Nang and elsewhere in mid-central region will continue to brace for some scattered showers and unpleasant cold weather.

A chill is expected to be felt mainly at night and during early mornings in Da Nang and its neighbours namely Quang Nam and Quang Ngai. Average lows are projected to fall to 18 - 20 degrees Celsius in many parts of the three localities.

Meanwhile, a vast stretch from Quang Binh to Thua Thien-Hue is projected to shiver in colder weather as the mercury plummet to as low as 14 – 17 degrees Celsius, and even going down to 13 – 15 degrees Celsius in their mountainous areas.

HOANG HIEP – Translated by A.T