This morning (August 8), Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, announced the formation of a new tropical depression in the East Sea.

As of 4:00 AM, the depression's center was located at approximately 19.1 degrees North latitude and 118.2 degrees East longitude, in the eastern waters of the northern East Sea. The strongest winds near the center reached level 6 (39-49 km/h), with gusts at level 8. The system was moving west-northwest at a speed of 10-15 km/h.

In the next 24 hours, the tropical depression will continue moving west-northwest at the same speed. By 4:00 AM on August 9, it is forecast to be located about 560 km northeast of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands, maintaining strength at level 6 with gusts at level 8.

Over the following 24 hours, it is expected to shift direction, moving northwest at a slower pace of 5-10 km/h and gradually weakening into a low-pressure zone over the northwestern East Sea.

Thus, although it briefly intensified from a low-pressure system, this tropical depression is projected to weaken rapidly within 48 hours and poses little threat to Vietnam’s mainland.

However, due to its influence, the northeastern part of the northern East Sea is experiencing thunderstorms and strong winds at level 6, gusting up to level 8, with rough seas and waves ranging from 1.5 to 3 meters.

Vessels operating in these hazardous areas may be affected by thunderstorms, waterspouts, strong winds, and high waves.

Bao Anh