Hanoi (VNA) - The tropical depression formed after storm Wipha has weakened into a low-pressure area and is moving mainly west-southwest, gradually dissipating.
According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 1:00 am, the low-pressure area was located at around 20.0 degrees North latitude and 104.8 degrees East longitude. The strongest winds near its centre were below level 6 (under 39 km/h). Earlier, in the night of July 22, it had weakened into a low-pressure area over the Vietnam–Laos border.
On July 23, northern Vietnam is forecast to see scattered showers and thunderstorms, with localised heavy rainfall ranging from 15–30mm, and in some places exceeding 80mm. Thunderstorms may be accompanied by whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong gusts.
From July 24 to 25, widespread heavy rain is expected across northern Vietnam, as well as central Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces, with rainfall generally between 60–120mm, and locally over 200mm.
Heavy downpours could result in flooding in low-lying and urban areas, flash floods on small rivers and streams, and landslides on steep terrain. These hazards may cause significant environmental damage, pose threats to human life, disrupt traffic, hinder transport, and damage infrastructure and economic assets.
At sea, on July 23, the central East Sea and coastal waters from Khanh Hoa to Lam Dong will see level 6 winds, gusting to levels 7–8, with rough seas and waves reaching 2–3.5m.
Also on July 23, the Gulf of Tonkin and the eastern waters of the northern and central East Sea are expected to experience showers and thunderstorms, with possible whirlwinds and strong gusts.
All vessels operating in these areas are at high risk of being affected by whirlwinds, strong winds, and high waves./.
