It is carrying maximum winds of 74 km/h, according to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting.

The centre said heavy rains are forecast from Quang Binh to Phu Yen and the Central Highlands from October 14-15.

Rainfall could exceed 600mm between Quang Binh and Quang Ngai.

The storm has forced airlines to adjust their flights.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on October 14 cancelled three flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Hue, and two others between Hanoi and Hue.

The airline will also suspend four flights between HCM City and Chu Lai, and two between Hanoi and Chu Lai on October 15, and delay others between Hanoi/HCM City and Quy Nhon the same day.

Bamboo Airways has also decided to cancel flights between Hanoi and Hue, which will be resumed if the weather improves on October 15.

Localities brace themselves to promptly cope with storm SONCA

At 13:00, the storm's eye was about 250km southeast of Da Nang-Quang Nam with the strongest winds near its centre reaching between 62km and 74km per hour.

At 4:00 a.m on October 15, the storm's center will be located on the waters of Da Nang - Binh Dinh, with sustained winds reaching between level seven and level nine.

Hoang Phuc Lam, Deputy Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said the weather pattern in combination with the cold air wave is anticipated to trigger heavy downpours in the central, south central, and Central Highlands regions over the next three days, adding that there will be massive flooding hitting low-lying areas, deltas, and coastal provinces from Quang Tri to Phu Yen.

Forecasters said severe flooding is anticipated to hit four districts with 58 communes in Thua Thien - Hue, seven districts with 75 communes in Quang Nam, and seven districts with 74 communes in Quang Ngai.

Experts have also warned about the potentially high risk of flash flooding and landslides occurring in the midland and mountainous areas of provinces from Quang Tri to Phu Yen, Kon Tum, and Gia Lai.

They also urged localities to evacuate residents from districts which are typically prone to risks of landslides. 

People residing in coastal provinces from Thua Thien - Hue to Phu Yen and Binh Dinh are therefore urged to prepare to cope with high sea waves and high tides that could lead to severe flooding in low-lying areas in the early morning October 15 to October 16.

To promptly deal with the storm, localities were requested to strictly abide by the Prime Minister’s official dispatch to overcome the consequences of the recent flooding in the central region and closely monitor the latest developments of storm SONCA.

Central localities have been asked to call on vessels operating at sea to seek shelters from the storm and work out plans to evacuate residents from areas at high risk of flash floods and landslides.

Source: VNA/VOV