CaliToday (23/8/2025): Vietnam's national weather agency has issued urgent warnings as a tropical depression in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) officially strengthened into Tropical Storm No. 5 this morning. The storm is now moving across the sea, bringing with it the threat of widespread heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions to a significant portion of the country.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the storm is expected to continue gathering strength over the warm waters of the sea. Its current trajectory and the expansive nature of its rain bands have prompted alerts for regions spanning the entire length of the nation.
The most immediate and widespread impact is expected to be intense rainfall. Forecasters predict that the Northern region (Bắc Bộ), the Central Highlands (Tây Nguyên), and the Southern region (Nam Bộ) will all experience prolonged downpours over the coming days. Authorities have warned that this heavy precipitation significantly increases the risk of flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides, particularly in mountainous and low-lying areas.
In response to the storm's formation and projected impact, the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control has issued an emergency directive to all coastal provinces. The alert covers a vast coastline, from Quảng Ninh province in the far north to An Giang province in the Mekong Delta in the south.
Provincial authorities have been instructed to activate their emergency preparedness plans immediately. Key measures include:
Maritime Safety: Notifying thousands of fishing vessels and commercial ships at sea to find safe harbor and avoid the storm's path.
Infrastructure Reinforcement: Securing fishing cages, coastal infrastructure, and public works that may be vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rain.
Monitoring and Evacuation: Closely monitoring water levels in rivers and reservoirs and preparing evacuation plans for residents in high-risk areas.
While An Giang is an inland province, its inclusion in the directive highlights the severe threat of river flooding and widespread agricultural damage posed by the storm's heavy rainfall in the Mekong Delta region. Local authorities in An Giang are now actively coordinating with disaster response teams to prepare for potential flooding and to ensure the safety of residents and their property.
Officials are urging citizens to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins and to follow all instructions from local authorities to ensure their safety as Tropical Storm No. 5 continues its path.
