The tropical low pressure system on the southern seas has brought in heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the southern region, the central highlands and the central region between Da Nang City and Binh Thuan Province, according to the National Hydro Meteorological Forecasting Center.

At 7am on November 15, the system was centered 110 kilometers east southeast of the coastline along Ba Ria-Vung Tau to Ca Mau Provinces. Wind gales measured at level 6 moving at 39-49 kilometers an hour.

Within the next 24 hours, the system will move west and northwestwards at 10km an hour and weaken into a low pressure zone.  By 7am November 16, it will be located in the Mekong Delta with winds gales dropping to below 39 kilometers an hour.

According to the hydro meteorological stations in the coastal provinces, high tide levels this year have been the highest in the last 15 years in the southern region. Tide waters will surge 2.3-2.7 meters to directly affect Nam Can, Ngoc Hien, Tran Van Thoi and U Minh Districts in Ca Mau Province.

Meanwhile, the high tide will maintain present peak levels for the next one to two days in Ho Chi Minh City before gradually receding. The Southern Regional Hydro Meteorological Center said that the tide will reach its peak of 1.6 meters today, November 15.

The northern region is expecting another cold front by November 16, which will be more widespread in the northern and central regions by the next day. Strong winds will lash through the Gulf of Tonkin.

Thousands evacuate as low pressure system nears

Thousands of local people have been ordered to move to higher ground as a tropical low pressure system is heading for the southern coast.

Although the low pressure system was downgraded overnight on November 15, it is expected to dump heavy rains on southern and Central Highland provinces, especially localities in the south-eastern region.  

Soc Trang province has decided to evacuate nearly 3,000 residents from flood-prone areas in coastal districts.

Bac Lieu province has allowed more than 177,000 students, including 25,000 at kindergartens, to stay indoors to prevent unwanted incidents in the event of strong winds and heavy downpours.

Lai Thanh An, an official from the provincial Committee for Flood and Storm Control, said all 14 vessels with 129 fishermen on board operating at sea have escaped the danger areas and found safe storm shelters.

HCM City has cabled an urgent telegram, requesting its relevant agencies to be prepared for the tropical low pressure system.

A city official said a cargo ship was dispatched to the island commune of Thanh An on November 15 to support local people. All fishing boats have anchored at Cau Do wharf, and public works and houses have been reinforced.

Meanwhile, a strong cold spell will hit northern localities late on November 16, causing temperatures to drop by 5-6oC to 18-21oC in mountain areas and 18-25oC in the plains.  

VNN/SGGP/VOV