The National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting has issued an urgent bulletin on the afternoon of September 5, stating that Typhoon Yagi, now a Category 5 storm, continues to strengthen over the East Sea. As of 1 p.m., the storm was located approximately 460 kilometers east of China’s Hainan Island, with sustained winds of 184-201 km/h and gusts exceeding 220 km/h.

The typhoon is moving west at a slow pace of 10 km/h, and forecasts suggest that by midday Saturday, September 7, Yagi will make landfall in northern Vietnam, bringing destructive winds and torrential rain.

On the sea, the northern part of the East Sea is already experiencing winds of 100-150 km/h, with the areas near the eye of the storm facing even more intense winds of 160-200 km/h. The seas are currently extremely rough, with waves reaching heights of 7 to 12 meters.

By the afternoon of September 6, the eastern part of the Gulf of Tonkin will experience winds reaching 50-60 km/h, and by late evening, winds will increase dramatically to 90-140 km/h as the typhoon pushes westward. Offshore islands such as Bach Long Vy and Co To will be particularly vulnerable, with waves as high as 8 meters expected.

By early September 7, coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Thanh Hoa will begin to feel the brunt of the storm, with winds reaching 60-90 km/h, intensifying to over 120 km/h as the storm moves inland. Areas further inland, including major provinces in northern Vietnam, are expected to experience winds of 50-80 km/h with gusts reaching over 100 km/h.

The storm surge could raise sea levels by 2-4 meters along the coast from Quang Ninh to Thanh Hoa. In addition to the storm surge, waves in these coastal regions could reach 5 meters, posing severe risks to fishing vessels and coastal infrastructure.

From the evening of September 6 to the morning of September 9, northern Vietnam and parts of the northern central region will experience significant rainfall, with totals ranging from 100-350 mm, and localized areas receiving over 500 mm. The heavy rainfall raises concerns of flooding in low-lying areas, flash floods in small rivers, and landslides in mountainous regions.

Meteorologists warn that due to Yagi’s expansive cloud cover, the storm’s effects will extend far beyond the immediate landfall zone, impacting the entire northern and central regions of Vietnam. High winds and rainfall will accompany the storm’s arrival, creating dangerous conditions even before it makes landfall.

In light of the approaching storm, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha will chair an emergency meeting with the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control on the afternoon of September 5. This meeting will bring together officials from various ministries and localities to coordinate preparations for Yagi’s arrival and to implement safety measures across the affected regions.

Authorities have urged residents in high-risk areas to brace for severe weather and to follow evacuation orders where necessary, with priority given to protecting lives and minimizing property damage.

Bao Anh