As of 10pm last night, the storm's centre was 21.2 degrees north and 107.8 degrees east off Quang Ninh's coast near Bach Long Vi Island with wind speeds of 60-75 kilometres per hour.

Coastal areas in Quang Ninh and Nam Dinh experienced heavy downpours.

The forecast says when the typhoon hits the mainland it will become a tropical low pressure area.

By 7pm today, its centre is predicted to be at 22 degrees north and 106 degrees east, hitting the northern mountainous areas with wind speeds below 40 km per hour.

The northern area is expected to receive heavy rains. The centre has also said northern mountainous areas like Lang Son, Bac Giang, Cao Bang, Bak Kan,Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang can expect flashfloods and landslides.

Pham Van Ty, Deputy Chief of Office of the National Search and Rescue Committee, said that Kujira might not be a strong storm, but torrential rains are likely to cause floods and landslides in storm-hit areas.

The committee has thus far mobilised more than 31,400 personnel and almost 1,300 vehicles from helicopters to boats to deal with emergencies. Defence Ministry units stationed in the region have also been put on alert to help out whenever needed. 

VNS