Typhoon Matmo, the 11th storm of the year, has reached its strongest phase with sustained winds of 149 km/h (level 13) and gusts up to level 16.

Moving at 25 km/h, the storm is expected to enter the Gulf of Tonkin this evening (October 5) and make landfall in Quang Ninh early tomorrow morning, bringing winds of level 9–10 and gusts up to level 13.

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Path of Typhoon Matmo No. 11, updated on the morning of October 5. Source: VNDMS.

At noon today, Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, provided the latest updates on Typhoon Matmo’s path and impacts.

As of 11 a.m., the storm was located east of China’s Leizhou Peninsula, about 300 km southeast of Mong Cai (Quang Ninh). Near the storm’s center, winds reached levels 12–13 (118–149 km/h), with gusts up to level 16.

Khiem stated that the typhoon is at its most intense stage and predicted it would cross Leizhou Peninsula later today before entering northern parts of the Gulf of Tonkin at level 12, gusting to level 15.

“After moving into the gulf, the storm will track along the northern coastline and likely make landfall between Quang Ninh (Vietnam) and Guangxi (China) late tonight or early tomorrow morning,” he said. “The strongest winds are expected in northeastern Quang Ninh, reaching level 9–10 with gusts up to level 13.”

From 7 p.m. tonight, the typhoon will begin affecting northeastern provinces. A level 3 natural disaster risk warning has been issued for the northern Gulf of Tonkin, coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Hung Yen, and Lang Son.

By 10 a.m. tomorrow, the storm will move into the Vietnam–China border region, weaken to a tropical depression with winds of level 6–7, gusting to level 9, and continue weakening over the northern mountains.

Severe marine impact and coastal flooding risk

In the northwestern part of the East Sea, winds near the storm center will reach levels 11–13, gusting to level 16, with waves of 6–8 meters, causing extremely dangerous sea conditions capable of sinking large vessels.

From the afternoon of October 5, the northern Gulf of Tonkin, including Bach Long Vi, Van Don, Co To, Cat Hai, and Hon Dau islands, will experience winds increasing to levels 10–12, gusting to level 15, with waves up to 5 meters.

Coastal areas of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong will see storm surges of 0.4–0.6 meters, with potential flooding in low-lying and river-mouth areas from this evening onward.

 

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Satellite image at 11 a.m. on October 5 clearly shows the eye of Typhoon Matmo. Source: NCHMF.

Strong winds and heavy rain across northern provinces

From tonight until midday tomorrow (October 6), coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Hung Yen and Lang Son will experience winds of level 8–10, gusting to level 12. Such wind strength can uproot trees, damage roofs, and disrupt transportation.

Inland areas across the northeast may experience winds of level 5–6, gusting to level 8.

Eastern Quang Ninh may see the strongest winds (level 9–10, gusting 13), while coastal Hai Phong may face level 8–9 winds. Hung Yen’s coastal communes and Lang Son’s northern border regions could experience winds of level 6–8.

Widespread rainfall and potential flooding

Due to Typhoon Matmo’s influence, heavy rain is forecast from tonight through October 7 across the northern mountainous and midland regions, with total rainfall of 150–250 mm and localized areas exceeding 400 mm.

The northern delta and Thanh Hoa may see 70–150 mm, with some places over 200 mm.

In Hanoi, although strong winds are unlikely, thunderstorms and heavy rain (70–120 mm, locally over 150 mm) are expected from early October 6 to the 7th.

Widespread rainfall and saturated soils from previous storms heighten the risk of flash floods and landslides.

Rising river levels and landslide warnings

Between October 5 and 9, rivers in northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa are expected to rise by 2–8 meters, potentially exceeding alarm level 3 in Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Lao Cai, and other northern provinces.

Flooding in low-lying and urban areas is likely, along with high risks of flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions.

“The previous storm, Bualoi, has already left the soil saturated. With new heavy rains expected, the likelihood of flash floods and landslides remains very high,” Khiem warned.

He urged local authorities to review high-risk zones, strengthen evacuation readiness, and promptly alert residents to ensure safety.

Bao Anh