Coastal localities told to prepare for impact of storm No. 5

At present, the tropical depression is moving west with speeds of between 20 and 25 kilometres per hour.

The low depression is estimated to be at approximately 770km east-northeast of Hoang Sa archipelago, also known as the Paracel islands, by 7am on September 1. By this time the strongest winds close to the eye of the system will have reached level six to seven.

Over the course of the next 24 to 48 hours, the tropical low pressure is set to move westward and likely strengthen into storm No. 5, This will be the fifth storm to directly hit the country this year and will greatly affect the nation’s mainland.

Local authorities from Quang Ninh to Khanh Hoa provinces have been urged to closely monitor the tropical storm’s developments and make preparations in order to protect the necessary facilities in case of a worst case scenario occurring.