Tropical Storm Rammasun, which was packing sustained winds of 166 kilometers per hour, smashed large parts of the Philippines and continues moving in the direction between west-northwest and northwest at a speed of 20-25 km per hour, according to the Central Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Centre.

Due to the influence of the storm, wind gathered strength in the eastern part of the East Sea in the morning of July 16 and may reach 133 km per hour in the area near the eye of the storm, resulting in rough swells.

Rammasun, with fast movements and complicated developments, may bring heavy rainfall and pose a risk of cyclone to Vietnam’s Truong Sa archipelago area and coastal provinces between Binh Thuan and Ca Mau.

In bracing for the storm, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai on July 15 asked flood-prone localities to devise evacuation plans and reinforce resident and public infrastructure.

The Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control has sent a note to authorities of coastal localities stretching from northern Quang Ninh to southern Ba Ria – Vung Tau, urging them to make preparations for it.

To date, more than 33,200 fishing vessels with some 125,800 crewmembers operating in the East Sea have been notified of the approaching storm so that they can seek shelters on time.

The localities were also asked to prepare rescue teams and facilities for emergencies.-VNA