Category 8 storm heading towards Thanh Hoa - Ha Tinh

The second storm of the year is expected to make landfall in Thanh Hoa and Ha Tinh provinces on July 17th, with maximum wind speeds of 75 km/h.

According to the Central Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting Center, the tropical depression strengthened into a typhoon this afternoon, the second typhoon of the year in the East Sea, with the international name Talas.

LAt 1 PM, the storm was over the Hoang Sa archipelago, with maximum wind speeds of 75 km/h (level 8). Moving at a speed of 15 km/h in a northwest direction, by the afternoon of July 16th, the storm was approximately 320 km from the coast of Nam Dinh - Nghe An, with unchanged wind speeds.

Predicted path of Typhoon No. 2. Photo: NCHMF.

On July 17th, storms hit the coasts.In Nam Dinh and Ha Tinh provinces, wind intensity remains at 75 km/h, with gusts of level 9-10.Next, it moved inland into the provinces of Thanh Hoa and Ha Tinh and weakened into a low-pressure area.The dangerous zone for ships is the latitude.15.5 to 20 degrees; longitude 113 degrees.

The storm's circulation will bring rain to Northern and North Central Vietnam from July 16th to 18th, with rainfall amounts of 100-300 mm. Although Hanoi is not in the storm's path, it will still experience heavy rain, with a high risk of flooding.

Forecast of the typhoon's path by the Hong Kong Observatory. Photo: hko.gov.hk.

Out at sea, tonight and tomorrow,In the central and southern areas of the East Sea (including the waters around the Spratly Islands), and the sea area from Ninh Thuan to Ca Mau, strong winds of level 6, gusting to levels 7-8, will continue; sea waves will be 2-3 meters high. The sea area from Ca Mau to Kien Giang and the Gulf of Thailand will experience heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Sea travel is prohibited from the afternoon of July 16th.

On the afternoon of July 15th, the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control issued a directive requiring coastal provinces from Ha Tinh to Quang Ninh to complete the call for all vessels to return to safe harbors by 5 PM on July 16th, prohibiting all sea travel, including for cargo and tourist vessels. Local authorities must evacuate residents from fish farms and aquaculture watchtowers to shore; and direct the reinforcement of houses and ensure the safety of mines, ports, and tourist areas.

ProvincesNorthern and North Central Vietnam are required to drain urban and agricultural water to prevent flooding; inspect dikes, reservoirs, and dams, and have contingency plans in place. Underpasses, flooded roads, and ferry crossings need to be monitored by personnel to ensure safety during heavy rains and floods.

Talas is the second typhoon to appear in the South China Sea this year. The first typhoon formed on June 11th and subsequently moved into China.

According to the meteorological agency, the 2017 typhoon season will see approximately 13-15 typhoons and tropical depressions active in the East Sea. Of these, 3-4 will make landfall and directly affect mainland Vietnam, mainly in the Central region..

According to VNE