The tropical depression that formed over the East Sea on August 17 moved into the southern area of Hainan Island (China) on the morning of August 18 and is forecast to sweep across the Gulf of Tonkin later the same day, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Upon entering the Gulf of Tonkin, the system will be moving northwest with maximum sustained winds of 39–49 kmh, gusting up to 74 kmh near its centre. Over the next 24 hours, it will continue on a north-northwest track at 15–20 kmh, and make landfall in the Vietnam–China border area before weakening into a low-pressure zone over China’s Guangxi province.

The tropical depression is set to bring heavy rain to large parts of Vietnam, from the northern to the central regions on August 18-19, with rainfall averaging 50-130 mm or even exceeding 250 mm in some localities.

The meteorological agency has issued a Level 3 disaster risk warning, indicating the potential for significant damage across a large area. This level of alert requires stronger intervention from authorities and rescue forces to respond and minimise losses.

Due to prolonged heavy rain, meteorologists warned about flooding in low-lying areas, and a high risk of flashfloods and landslides, particularly in steep terrain and weathered soil areas. Residents are advised to stay updated with official forecasts, implement preventive measures, and avoid traveling through flood-prone areas, streams, and mountain passes during heavy rain.

Tropical depression hits northwest waters of Hoang Sa special zone

VOV.VN - A tropical depression over the northwest waters of Hoang Sa Special Zone brings strong winds and rough seas, posing risks to vessels operating in the area.