Hanoi (VNA) – Typhoon Narra, the fourth to hit Vietnam this year, has changed course again and is moving southeast towards waters east of Bach Long Vi special zone in northern Quang Ninh province while maintaining its strength, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
At 1:00 pm on August 23, the typhoon’s centre was about 155km east-southeast of Quang Ninh province and 150km east of Hai Phong city. It was packing winds of force 8-9, with gusts of force 10-11, and moving southeast at about 3km/h.
By 1:00 pm on August 24, it is forecast to move south-southeast at about 3km/h. Winds near the centre are expected to reach force 9, with gusts of force 11.
The Gulf of Tonkin, including Bach Long Vi, Van Don, Co To and Cat Hai special zones and Hon Dau island, as well as coastal areas of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, will be affected. The disaster risk level is forecast at Level 3.
By 1:00 pm on August 25, the storm is expected to move east-northeast at 3-5km/h over the eastern Gulf of Tonkin, about 160km east of Bach Long Vi, with winds of force 9 and gusts of force 11.
The centre said the Gulf of Tonkin and coastal waters of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong will experience winds of force 6-7, rising to force 8-9 near the storm’s centre, with gusts of force 10-11 and waves 2-4m high. Very rough seas could threaten fishing, cargo and tourist vessels, aquaculture facilities, mooring areas and coastal structures, disrupting maritime transport, fishing and tourism activities.
On the mainland, coastal areas of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong will experience winds of force 6, with gusts of force 8, potentially damaging roofs and temporary structures, uprooting trees and affecting power and transport systems.
From the afternoon of August 23 through August 24, heavy rain is forecast in the northeastern region, the southern part of Phu Tho province and Thanh Hoa province, with rainfall generally at 30-70mm and locally exceeding 150mm. Higher rainfall of 60-120mm, locally over 250mm, is forecast for Bac Ninh, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, and Ninh Binh. Heavy rain is expected to gradually ease from the night of August 24.
The heavy rainfall may cause flooding in urban areas, industrial parks and low-lying areas, while increasing the risk of flooding in small rivers and streams, flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.
Thunderstorms, whirlwinds and strong wind gusts should also be expected due to the storm’s circulation./.
VNA
