Heavy rain, strong winds forecast to hit northern areas

An area of low pressure has formed over the north and northeast of the East Sea, reported the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting yesterday.

Coastal regions from Binh Thuan to Ca Mau Province are expected to experience strong winds, heavy rain and rough seas and typhoons may occur in the north of the East Sea and around the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago.

The centre warned that floods and landslides are likely due to heavy rain and strong winds in northern areas.

Vessels in the area are advised to follow the movement of the low pressure to avoid unexpected mishaps.

In the next few months, severe weather including whirlwinds, thunderstorms, hail and flooding will hit the country, according to deputy director of the forecasting centre Nguyen Lan Chau.

Chau said that unusual and severe weather would continue to batter the country until November and reach its peak in the transitional season between April and June.

Le Thi Xuan Lan, deputy director of the southern region's Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, said varying levels of rainfall with thunder and lightening would occur until June and might cause flooding in southern provinces.

The centre said there would be 14 storms brewing in the East Sea, seven of which were likely to hit the mainland. Do Thai Lan, director of the central region's centre, said the central region would face record heat waves reaching over 40 degrees Celsius for prolonged periods.

According to Chau, low pressure and cold weather fronts have caused whirlwinds in many areas over the past few days.

Last Monday, the fourth whirlwind of this month destroyed 10 houses and damaged 1,000 others with losses estimated to reach more than VND15 billion (US$789,400).

Earlier this month, six houses were destroyed and seven schools and houses were partially damaged by another whirlwind in the Mekong Delta province of Can Tho.

Heavy rainfall in the northern mountainous province of Son La last week caused serious flooding. Three people were killed and four houses destroyed by the floods.

Chau said it would be very difficult to forecast the phenomenon and that the centre could only issue warnings in favourable conditions due to complications.

Chau suggested that people keep an eye on weather forecasts and finish working in the fields before 3pm to avoid unexpected accidents caused by bad weather.

People were also told to turn off electrical appliances and refrain from sheltering under big trees during storms to avoid being struck by lightening.