Viet Nam’s National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting ((NCHMF) is monitoring a new tropical depression that has developed in the central Philippine sea.  

Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

NCHMF said in a bulletin issued at 1:00am on Friday, May 5, the depression was centred near latitude 10°N and longitude 119°2'E, packaging sustained winds reaching level 6, and the gusts as high as level 8.

National forecasters indicate that the depression is expected to make its way into the East Sea at 10:00am on Saturday, May 6. However, little change in strength is forecast over the next 24 -48 hours as it moves over the East Sea at about 10kmph.

The national weather service has issued Natural Disaster Alert at level 3 for the eastern , Middle and southern parts of the East Sea.

National forecasters have issued a weather warning for strong winds and high waves to all vessels operating in the potentially dangerous area which is located at latitude 9°N - 12°N and longitude 116.5' E in the next 24 hours.

Viet Nam’s National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control is urging authorities in coastal parts from Quang Binh to Kien Giang, including Da Nang, to take proactive and necessary mitigation measures in response to the development of the newly-formed tropical depression.

The authorities in the warning areas must keep a close watch on severe weather development, and keep owners of vessels operating at sea timely informed about severe weather conditions in order to help them take the initiative to avoid dangerous areas or seek safe shelters during the bad weather. The focus must be on making the resources available in order to organize timely rescue of any person in distress at sea, and provide timely support for those who need it during severe weather.

In addition, the heed must be paid on assisting local residents to prepare for severe weather in an attempt to keep them safe and protect their properties.

Reporting by TTXVN – Translating by H.L