Brian Jeffrey
Forecasters predict that Typhoon No. 2, known internationally as Prapiroon, will enter the Gulf of Tonkin by tomorrow afternoon (July 22). The typhoon is anticipated to reach an intensity level of 8 with gusts up to level 10. Heavy rain is expected in the northern region from tomorrow night until July 24.
As of 4pm on July 21, Typhoon No. 2 was positioned over the waters northwest of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands, around 180 km southeast of Hainan Island (China). The strongest winds near the center of the typhoon were at level 8 (62 – 74 km/h), with gusts reaching level 10.
Over the next 24 hours, the typhoon is forecasted to move northwest while maintaining its intensity and is projected to make landfall on Hainan Island before moving into the Gulf of Tonkin.
By 4pm on July 22, the center of the typhoon will be located over the eastern part of the Gulf of Tonkin, maintaining its intensity with gusts up to level 10. Within the following 24-48 hours, it is expected to weaken to a tropical depression before hitting the northeastern provinces on July 23.
The western waters of the northern East Sea, as well as the Hoang Sa Archipelago, the eastern waters from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai, and the eastern part of the southern Gulf of Tonkin, will experience strong winds of level 6-7 and rough seas.
Starting from the morning of July 22, the northern Gulf of Tonkin, including Bach Long Vi and Co To islands, will encounter increasing winds up to level 6-7, with winds near the center of the typhoon reaching level 8 and gusts up to level 10, along with very rough seas.
On the ground, coastal areas of Quang Ninh Province may face strong winds of level 6 from early on July 23, with gusts up to level 8.
Between July 21 night and July 24, the North and Thanh Hoa province are expected to experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with some areas receiving very heavy rainfall. Coastal and northeastern regions might receive 100-200 mm of rain, with some areas exceeding 250 mm. Other regions in the North and Thanh Hoa could see 50-100 mm of rain, with some areas exceeding 150 mm.
This weather pattern poses a high risk of localized flooding, inundation in low-lying areas, urban flooding, and landslides in mountainous regions and steep slopes.
The Prime Minister has instructed various ministries, agencies, coastal provinces from Binh Dinh to Quang Ninh, and northern mountainous provinces to take proactive measures in response to Typhoon No. 2 and the heavy rainfall.
The directives include:
– Ensuring Boats’ Safety: Providing guidance for boats, vessels, and tourist ships operating at sea or along the coast to move to safe shelters or away from high-risk zones. Proactively evacuating residents from hazardous areas, particularly those vulnerable to landslides and flash floods.
– Emergency Response: Deploying forces to monitor, control, and maintain traffic safety in flooded areas and landslide-prone zones. Prohibiting passage for people and vehicles in unsafe areas.
– Infrastructure Protection: Implementing measures to safeguard reservoirs, dams, and dikes to minimize damage to aquaculture, agriculture, industry, and infrastructure.
– Coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade: Managing irrigation and hydropower reservoirs safely with local authorities to prevent artificial floods, minimize downstream flooding, and ensure the safety of aquaculture, agriculture, industry, and electrical systems.
– Collaboration between the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security: Directing relevant units to support evacuations, rescue operations, and post-disaster responses in conjunction with local authorities.
This directive stresses the importance of proactive measures to ensure safety and reduce damage caused by the upcoming typhoon.
