CaliToday (09/8/2025): A low-pressure area in the northern region of the South China Sea (known in Vietnam as the East Sea) has officially strengthened into a tropical depression, Vietnam's National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) announced this afternoon.
While the newly formed system is not expected to have a direct impact on Vietnam's mainland at this time, authorities are advising that its development be monitored closely over the coming days due to the potential for changes in its trajectory and intensity.
The meteorological agency confirmed that the system crossed the threshold from a less organized low-pressure area to a tropical depression after showing increased atmospheric convection and a more defined cyclonic rotation. Forecasters are now tracking the system's movement and assessing its potential to intensify further into a tropical storm.
A spokesperson for the NCHMF emphasized the need for vigilance, particularly for maritime activities in the region. "At present, the tropical depression poses no immediate threat to our coastal provinces," the center stated in its bulletin. "However, the situation is dynamic. We urge all maritime interests, including fishing fleets and commercial shipping vessels operating in the northern South China Sea, to stay updated on the latest forecasts and take necessary precautions."
The primary concern for now remains the safety of ships and crews at sea. Tropical depressions can bring strong winds, high waves, and heavy, localized rain, creating hazardous conditions far from their center.
The NCHMF will continue to issue regular updates on the system's status, projected path, and wind speeds. The public, especially in coastal areas, is encouraged to follow official news channels for the most current information. The forecast over the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical in determining if the depression will dissipate, change course, or intensify further as it moves over the warm waters of the sea.
