Vietnam weather August 1: Tropical depression to become storm, bringing heavy rains across country
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Satellite image of Storm Sinlaku, August 1, 2020. Photo courtesy of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Tropical storm Sinlaku is moving towards Vietnam’s northern and north-central regions, bringing strong winds and heavy rains.

Sinlaku evolved from a tropical depression on August 1, the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said. It is the second storm to enter the South China Sea (Bien Dong Sea) since the beginning of this year.

On July 2, the storm's eye would cover sea regions from Thai Binh to Nghe An, with a maximum wind speed of 75 kph.

The storm would continue to move west-northwest at about 15 kph and make landfall in northern, north-central Vietnam, before devolving into a tropical depression. By 4 p.m. on July 2, the tropical depression would have a maximum wind speed of about 50 kph.

The Hong Kong Observatory also anticipated the storm would move west-northwest before making landfall in northern Ninh Binh to north-central Ha Tinh provinces on July 2 afternoon. By 3 p.m. the same day, the storm would devolve into a tropical depression with a maximum wind speed of 55 km/h, according to the Observatory.

The path of storm Sinlaku. Photo courtesy of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting

Due to the storm's impact, several parts of the South China Sea, including regions near Vietnam's coast, should expect strong winds and rough seas.

Heavy rains of up to 500 mm each time should be expected in areas from north-central Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri provinces. Besides, northern Vietnam should expect downpours with rainfall up to 400 mm each. Rainfall of 180 mm a day is considered heavy.

Hanoi should expect rainfall between 150-250 mm each downpour on July 2-3, with more rains to be expected until July 5.

On July 2, the storm's eye would cover sea regions from Thai Binh to Nghe An, with a maximum wind speed of 75 kph. Photo: Vietnam Times

The first storm, Nuri, came in mid-June. While it never made landfall in Vietnam, it caused strong winds and heavy rains in several areas, including Ho Chi Minh City. At least one motorbike rider in the city was killed by a falling tree branch during a downpour on June 13.

The South China Sea could see 11-13 storms and tropical depressions this year, half of them directly affecting the country, meteorologists said.

Localities brace for storm

Nghe An authorities have recalled over 3,000 vessels carrying over 15,000 sailors to shore in response to the incoming storm. As of noon July 1, over 400 vessels with about 1,600 on board are still operating off of the Nghe An coast, though all have been notified of the storm's trajectory to seek shelter,

Hundreds of other vessels operating near Ha Tinh and Quang Tri have also been notified of the incoming storm, which is the second storm to appear on the South China Sea this year, VnExpress reported.

Photo: VNA

In a notice issued on August 1, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc urged relevant ministries and agencies to remain updated on the developments of the storm, and map out scenarios for the possible risks of flashfloods, landsides, and severe flooding.

The vessels that are operating at sea must be guided to avoid dangerous areas or seek safe shelters, he said, asking localities to put forth plans on evacuation and production protection, and prepare workforce and equipment in response to the storm./.

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