VietNamNet Bridge - After sweeping through the Philippines at a Level 13, hurricane Rammasun is expected to hit the northern provinces of Vietnam such as Quang Ninh and Hai Phong on July 19.

According to photos taken by satellite on July 15 morning, the eye of the storm has formed. On the morning of July 15, the storm was about 520 km east southeast of Luzon Island, with the strongest winds from 118 to 149 km per hour (level 12, 13). The storm is forecast to move westward, then north with a velocity of about 20 km per hour.

According to the National Center for Hydro-meteorology Forecasting, this morning, July 16, the storm eye will be at the central Philippines and its strength will fall to level 11.

The storm will move northward and become stronger with a velocity of 20-25 km/hour. On the morning on July 17, the storm eye will be about 440 km to the east of the Paracel Islands, with the strongest winds from 103 to 133 km/h (level 11, 12). It will then move mainly northwest at a speed of 20 km/ h.

Due to the impact of the storm circulation, on Wednesday morning, the winds in the in the eastern waters of the East Sea will reach level 8.

The Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Control yesterday sent a message to localities from Quang Ninh to Ba Ria–Vung Tau, along with related ministries, departments and agencies, detailing measures to deal with the approaching storm.

Localities were asked to strengthen monitoring and keep contact with owners of vessels operating at sea to inform them about the storm’s location, direction and development.

Search and rescue forces were urged to prepare necessary vehicles and equipment in case of emergency.

Resident evacuation plan afoot as Rammasun nears

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has asked flood-prone localities to devise evacuation plans and reinforce resident and public works to cope with coming typhoon Rammasun.

At a meeting of the Central Steering Committee on Flood and Storm Prevention and Control on July 15, Hai directed ministries, agencies and localities to keep a close watch on Rammasun’s developments in the East Sea to come up with effective prevention plans.

He asked border guards to contact vessels still fishing out at sea to return ashore or find nearby storm shelters.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam-PVN) were required to ensure the safety of workers at oil platforms. The Ministry of Transport was urged to ensure smooth traffic during the height of the storm.   

Le Ha