A low-pressure area has emerged near the Philippines and is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression as it moves into the East Sea by tomorrow, July 4th. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) warns of strong Southwest winds, reaching level 5-6 with gusts up to level 7, affecting the waters from Lam Dong to Ca Mau. Authorities are urging coastal provinces and all maritime vessels to closely monitor weather updates, take precautionary measures, ensure communication, and prepare for potential search and rescue operations, as this season's storms are proving difficult to predict and quick to impact land.
A new low-pressure area has formed east-northeast of Luzon Island in the Philippines, poised to enter the East Sea (South China Sea) and potentially intensify into a tropical depression. Vietnamese meteorological authorities are issuing urgent warnings to coastal provinces and maritime vessels to prepare for strong winds and unpredictable weather conditions as the system develops. This comes amidst a typhoon season characterized by weather phenomena forming directly within or very close to the East Sea, posing unique challenges for disaster response.
Low-Pressure Area Forms, Set to Intensify
As of 1:00 PM today (July 3rd), the low-pressure area was located around 18.5-19.5 degrees North latitude and 121.5-122.5 degrees East longitude. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) predicts that over tonight and tomorrow (July 4th), this system will move slowly west-northwest, entering the East Sea and likely strengthening into a tropical depression.
This developing weather system, combined with a tropical convergence zone active over the Northern East Sea, will bring significant weather changes. The waters from Lam Dong to Ca Mau are expected to experience strong Southwest winds of level 5, at times reaching level 6 with gusts up to level 7, throughout tonight and tomorrow.
Urgent Warnings Issued to Coastal Regions and Mariners
In response to the potential tropical depression and strong winds, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has dispatched an urgent directive to all coastal provinces and cities. The directive emphasizes the critical need to:
- Monitor Closely: Continuously track weather warnings, forecasts, and the development of the low-pressure area as it potentially strengthens into a tropical depression.
- Inform Vessels: Immediately notify captains and owners of all active vessels and fishing boats in the area to implement proactive preventative measures. This includes adjusting production schedules to ensure the safety of personnel and assets.
- Maintain Communication: Ensure continuous communication channels are open to facilitate timely responses to any adverse situations that may arise.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Ready forces and resources for search and rescue operations should they become necessary. Provinces are also required to maintain strict duty rosters and regularly report updates to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development via the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention.
Unpredictable Typhoon Season Poses Challenges
Mr. Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, highlighted that under neutral ENSO conditions, this year's typhoon season is likely to see storms forming directly over or very close to the East Sea. This trend has already been observed with Typhoon No. 1 and the first tropical depression of the year, both originating in the East Sea region.
A key characteristic of such storms and tropical depressions forming in the East Sea is their unpredictable trajectory and intensity. They often develop rapidly and have the potential to affect mainland areas very quickly, creating significant challenges for timely disaster response and mitigation efforts. Authorities urge continued vigilance and adherence to all safety guidelines.