Storm Tapah strengthens over East Vietnam Sea, heavy rains expected in north

At 4:00 am on Sunday, Tapah, the seventh storm to hit the East Vietnam Sea this year, was located over the northeastern part of the maritime area with maximum sustained winds at level 8-9 (62-88 kph) on the Beaufort scale and gusts up to level 11 (103-117 kph).

The storm is forecast to travel northwest at 10-15 kph and could strengthen further within the next 24 hours.

By 4:00 am on Monday, Tapah is expected to be near Guangdong Province in southern China, packing winds at level 10 (89-102 kph) and gusts at level 13 (134-149 kph).

The storm is likely to make landfall in Guangdong later that day, weaken into a tropical depression, and move inland toward China’s Guangxi Province.

Although Tapah is projected to hit China, its circulation could bring widespread heavy rain to northern Vietnam from September 9 to 11, especially in the northeastern mountainous and midland provinces.

Due to its impact, the northern part of the East Vietnam Sea has experienced strong winds of 75-103 kph near the storm’s center, with waves of 3-5 meters and rough seas.

The national weather agency warns of high risks to vessels in affected areas due to thunderstorms, rough seas, and strong winds.

To prepare for the storm, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on Saturday urged relevant agencies and authorities in the coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Dak Lak to closely monitor developments, inform ship owners and captains of Tapah’s path, and direct vessels away from dangerous areas.

Rescue forces and equipment must be on standby.