At a conference on Wednesday to discuss preparations for Storm Yagi, Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said that as of 2 p.m., the storm was situated approximately 710 km from China’s Hainan Island. The storm had already gained strength since the morning, with maximum wind speed recorded at 183 kph.

Satellite image of storm Yagi at 3:40 p.m., Sept. 4, 2024.

Meteorologists predict that Yagi will continue to intensify over the next 48 hours as it moves closer to Hainan Island, driven by warm seawater temperatures and other conducive conditions. Khiem noted that experts are closely monitoring the storm's development to determine if it should be classified as a "superstorm".

Khiem warned that if Yagi reaches peak intensity and approaches Vietnam's coastal regions, it could result in significant damage to lives, livestock and the environment. The storm's impacts are expected to be widespread, with potentially severe and long-lasting consequences.

Japanese meteorological agencies have already classified Yagi as a hurricane, forecasting wind speeds of 180 kph by Friday. Hong Kong meteorologists predict the storm will escalate to a "superstorm" with wind speeds of 195 kph, while the U.S. Navy's meteorological service anticipates Yagi's winds could reach 214 kph before it nears Hainan Island.

Khiem said Yagi’s trajectory will determine whether it makes landfall in Vietnam. In the worst-case scenario, Yagi's wind patterns could cover the entire northern plains, severely impacting areas such as Hanoi and Bac Ninh.

Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said Vietnam has never been impacted by such a powerful storm, noting that it could simultaneously affect sea, land, plains and mountainous regions.

"The regions projected to be hit by the storm are crucial to the socio-economic development of northern Vietnam, both in industry and agriculture. Carelessness could result in catastrophic damage," Hiep cautioned.

Agriculture minister Le Minh Hoan urged local authorities to proactively devise strategies to mitigate potential losses. He suggested that measures such as banning vessels from setting sail, prohibiting large gatherings, and utilizing military camps as evacuation centers should be considered.

In response to the looming threat, border guard forces have instructed 504 vessels and over 3,300 workers in vulnerable areas to seek shelter.

Storm Saola to enter East Sea, causing rough seas

Tropical Storm Saola, now active in the waters of the northeastern coast of Luzon island, the Philippines, is forecast to enter the East Sea on August 31, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorology Forecasting.

Japan to provide flood risk maps for Southeast Asian countries

Japan plans to start providing flood risk maps for Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia next fiscal year to help the Southeast Asian countries reduce damage from flooding. 

Vietnamese Consulate General in Savannakhet helps flood victims in Laos

The Vietnamese Consulate General in Savannakhet, central Laos, along with the Vietnamese Association and the Vietnamese Business Association in the provinces of Savannakhet, Khammouane and Bolikhamxay, have recently offered gifts to those recently affected by floods and landslides there.

Source: VnExpress