VietNamNet Bridge – Tropical Storm Sonamu, the first of its kind in this year, would drop in intensity and become a tropical low pressure in the next two days, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecast.

The storm has caused wind speeds of 39-61kph and rough seas off the coasts of from central Binh Thuan to southern Ca Mau provinces.

Lai Thanh An, head of the Bac Lieu Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Prevention and Rescue, said the southern province had stopped ships from going out to sea since Saturday.

By 8.30am yesterday, Jan 6, more than 340 fishing vessels with more than 2,100 seamen were at sea, but all had remained in contact with land and avoided dangerous areas.

Luu Minh Nhat, chairman of the Tran Van Thoi District People's Committee in the southern province of Ca Mau, said the province had instructed more than 3,200 fishing boats to take refuge, and 300 more were still at sea but out of danger.

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecast also warned that a cold spell would hit the country tomorrow night which may last until the weekend in northern provinces.

The average temperature in northern provinces is likely to be 11-14 degree Celsius, and 7-10 degree Celsius in mountainous areas with a possibility of frost.

Source: VNS