ReliefWeb

Typhoon Nesat is forecast to hit provinces from northern Quang Ninh to central Nghe An tomorrow afternoon, Sep 30, warned the National Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Centre.

Wind speeds are expected to reach 149kph.

It was moving at a speed of between 20-25km per hour, said the centre's director, Le Thanh Hai. The typhoon was forecast to reach China's Hainan Island today before approaching Viet Nam's coastal provinces tomorrow, he said.

Nesat, the fifth storm this year, is forecast to cause heavy seas and rainfall of up to 300mm in central coastal provinces.

"It will also effect northern cities and provinces, including Ha Noi, with average rainfall of between 50-300mm expected," he said.

Meanwhile, another typhoon, Nalgae, has been forming off the coast of the Philippines and is moving towards Viet Nam.

"Nalgae is forecast to get stronger over the next few days, with winds of around 133kph forecast. It is expected to enter the East Sea late this Sunday," Hai said.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has instructed authorities nationwide to prepare for the bad weather.

In an urgent message sent to relevant ministries, agencies and localities yesterday, Hai asked People's Committees of provinces and cities from Quang Ninh to Phu Yen to work with border guards, the fisheries sector and ship owners to check the number of vessels currently at sea and guide them to safety.

Provinces from Quang Ninh to Ha Tinh have been instructed to tighten control over vessels and check storm defences, reservoirs and construction projects to protect both humans and property. They have also been asked to help locals to strengthen houses, schools and hospitals and evacuate local citizens out of high risk areas where necessary.

At an urgent meeting held yesterday, Sep 28, by the National Steering Committee for Storm and Flood Prevention and Control to discuss measures to cope with the typhoon, the Border Guards reported that more than 30,000 vessels with over 145,000 people on board had been directed to stay at anchor in safe areas.

The last storm, Typhoon Haitang, caused heavy rains in central provinces over the past three days with total rainfall of between 150-180mm.

Haitang killed at least four people, injured four others, damaged 128 houses and flooded more than 5,000ha of crops.

V.N.N – V.N.S