Early this morning, December 18, the storm was around 250 kilometres from Southwest Cay of the Spratly Islands in the East Sea.
According to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, by 4 am on Sunday, the eye of the typhoon would lie some 250 kilometres east of the southern central provinces of Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa with its strongest wind speed predicted at 135-165 kph.
On Friday, fishing boats in Quang Ngai Province were informed of the storm to rush back to shore and find shelter, particularly those which are operating near Spartly Islands and Paracel Islands.
Fishing boats in Quang Ngai Province were informed of the storm to rush back to shore and find shelter
The island district of Ly Son has been asked to reserve necessities in case of the serious impact of the storm.
The province has planned to evacuate 2,650 households with a total number of 7,851 in 22 coastal communes and Ly Son District.
Fishing boats in Binh Dinh are also requested not to venture out to avoid the possible dangers of Typhoon Rai.
According to Vice Chairman of Binh Dinh People’s Committee Nguyen Tuan Thanh, the province has faced two recent week-long floods. In case of the strong winds caused by Storm Rai, many local houses would be damaged.
Thanh urged localities to be ready for the evacuation of local residents in necessary cases. People have been instructed to protect their seafood cages.
Meanwhile, some 3,400 fishing boats and vessels in Ca Mau Province have found safe shelter. The province has planned to evacuate more than 146,000 people in Ngoc Hien, Dam Doi and Phu Tan districts.
The province has prepared 600 shelter spots for the evacuation of around 260,000 people. Some 47,000 houses in coastal areas need to be consolidated.
