Brian Jeffrey
On October 25, Le Minh Hoan, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, led a meeting to review preparations for Storm Trami with representatives from various ministries, alongside officials from 19 provinces and cities, both in-person and virtually.
During the session, Mai Van Khiem, the Director of the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, provided updates on the storm. By 2 PM, the storm was positioned roughly 600 km east of the Hoang Sa archipelago, featuring wind speeds of around level 10, with gusts reaching up to level 13, and was observed to be moving slowly.
He explained, “The storm has shifted its course four times since forming in the East Sea, with its expansive circulation impacting an area about 500 to 600 km wide. Although it lacks a distinct eye, rain and strong winds have been affecting our region since October 24.”
Khiem elaborated that initial forecasts from meteorological sources had been diverse; however, they now align in anticipating that the storm is likely to influence Vietnam’s central coast.
In the northern East Sea region, wind speeds could escalate to level 12, with gusts peaking at level 15. Waves are expected to reach heights of 5 to 7 meters, increasing to 7 to 9 meters near the center of the storm. By the morning of October 27, coastal areas, from Quang Binh to Quang Ngai—inclusive of Ly Son Island—may experience winds intensifying to levels 8-9, with stronger gusts of levels 10-11.
“Based on its current trajectory and forecast, the storm may make landfall before potentially veering back out to sea. Coastal areas from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai could experience winds ranging from levels 6-8, though if it travels further inland, wind speeds might escalate to level 9 with gusts reaching levels 11-12,” said Khiem.
Due to the storm’s extensive western circulation, heavy rainfall is anticipated, specifically from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai, where rainfall totals could reach between 300 to 500mm, with certain areas exceeding 700mm. Furthermore, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, and the northern Central Highlands might witness 100 to 200mm of rainfall.
Khiem urged residents to not only worry about the storm’s eye, as the extensive area affected could cause problems even prior to the storm hitting land.
The Border Guard Command has indicated that they have ensured the safety of 67,212 vessels with around 307,822 people by notifying them about the storm’s path. Currently, 35 vessels, carrying 184 individuals (from Quang Ngai), are operating within the northern East Sea and surrounding the Hoang Sa archipelago while avoiding hazardous zones.
A representative from the Ministry of Transport reported the presence of 940 vessels across maritime jurisdictions from Quang Ninh to Binh Thuan, which includes 469 sea vessels and 471 inland watercraft.
The military is on high alert, having mobilized 285,480 personnel, comprising 86,019 soldiers, 199,461 militia members, and 12,503 military vehicles to combat the storm’s effects.
Deployment specifics are as follows:
– Military Region 3 has summoned 51,075 personnel and 582 vehicles.
– Military Region 4 has dispatched 135,781 personnel and 1,195 vehicles.
– Military Region 5 has assigned 55,163 personnel, 1,660 vehicles, and three aircraft.
– The Air Defense and Air Force Command has prepared 4,600 personnel, 206 vehicles, and eight planes.
– Corps 18 has mobilized 30 personnel, two helicopters, and four vehicles.
