VietNamNet Bridge – A storm is expected to hit the northern coast, according to the National Hydro Meteorology Forecasting Centre.

A low front, forecast to travel northwest at a speed of 15kph during the next 24 hours, will bring winds of between 62 to 74kph, rough seas and heavy rain to the northern coast.

A southwest wind will deliver further heavy rains and rough seas to central and southern parts of the East Sea, including the coastal regions of Binh Thuan and Ca Mau provinces.

* Quang Ngai accident leaves 3 people dead

A serious accident yesterday left three people dead in Thanh An Village, situated in the Tu Nghia District of central Quang Ngai Province, according to the local police department.

The victims included Nguyen Thi Bong, 58, her granddaughter Le Thi Nguyen, 17, and a xe-om driver Le Thanh Giang, 30, who were all instantly killed when Giang's motorbike was hit by an out-of-control minibus.

Police are currently conducting investigations into the accident.

* High winds, heavy rain wreak havoc

Strong winds and heavy rains last Friday evening completely destroyed 30 houses and blew off the roofs of dozens of others in the southernmost province of Ca Mau.

Seven fishing boats at anchor were also sunk by rough seas, local reports said.

No casualties have been reported so far.

Stormy weather in the last three days in the province has pulled down around 200 houses and sunk 20 fishing boats, and initial estimates have put the damage at more than VND2 billion (U$100,000).

Provincial authorities have arranged temporary accommodation for affected people and granted an ex-gratia payments of VND500,000 ($24) to every household, as well as clothes, bedclothes and other necessities.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News