The number of storms affecting Vietnam in 2014 will be fewer than that of last year, but they will get stronger, according to Vo Van Hoa from the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

At a press conference in Hanoi on May 29, Hoa said about 10-12 storms and tropical depressions may appear in the East Sea this year, 4-5 of which will directly affect mainland Vietnam.

The storms may be unpredictable due to their power and movement. Meanwhile, a host of depressions will happen within a short period of time, he warned.

Drought is predicted to hit central provinces from Nghe An to Ninh Thuan until the end of August, while the flood season will occur as usual across Vietnam, Hoa said.-VNA