Storm Maysak fells trees, rips off tin roofs in Quang Ninh

On the afternoon of July 4, Typhoon Maysak, the first storm of the season, brought heavy rain and strong winds to Mong Cai 1 Ward, Mong Cai 2 Ward and Mong Cai 3 Ward in Quang Ninh Province. Winds in many areas reached about 25km/h and at times rose to force 6, disrupting traffic and daily life.

Nguyen Thanh Hai, chairman of the People's Committee of Mong Cai 1 Ward, told reporters that from about 4 pm to 6 pm, strong winds toppled many trees along urban roads. Fallen trees blocked pavements and carriageways but caused no injuries or damage to vehicles.

In the central Mong Cai market area, a sheet of corrugated iron roofing was blown into the road. Power was cut in parts of Mong Cai 1 Ward, Mong Cai 2 Ward and Mong Cai 3 Ward to ensure safety.

Authorities are urgently clearing fallen trees and reopening roads, while advising residents to limit travel while the storm is affecting the area. Quang Ninh Province has also deployed round-the-clock teams to monitor the storm's path.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, at 7.30 pm on July 4, the storm's centre had moved into the coastal area of Mong Cai with winds of force 8 to 9 and gusts of force 11. This was the period of strongest winds on land and conditions were expected to persist until after 11 pm the same day.

Under the storm's circulation, Bach Long Vi Special Zone recorded force 9 winds with gusts of force 10; Co To saw force 8 winds with gusts of force 9 and waves of 2.25 metres; Cua Ong recorded force 8 winds with gusts of force 9; Mong Cai recorded force 10 gusts, while Quang Ha saw force 8 gusts.

Forecasters said that from late afternoon to the night of July 4, the storm would move into the area between Quang Ninh Province and Guangxi Province in China, before weakening into a tropical depression over southern Guangxi.