>>> Localities asked to evacuate locals as storm Rammasun approaches
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>>> Coastal localities asked to brace for storm Rammasun
The storm has directly affected Mong Cai city in Quang Ninh, bringing heavy rains and strong winds.
According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), as of 7am on July 19, the eye of Rammasun was at 21.8 degrees north latitude, 108.2 degrees east longitude. Strongest winds in its eye reached up to 117kph.
It is forecast in the next 24 hours the storm will move west-northwest at a speed of 20kph alongside the northern mountainous areas, weakening into a tropical depression.
By 7am on July 20, the location of the low pressure will be at about 23.0 degrees north latitude, 104.0 degrees east longitude, with winds dropping to less than 39kph.
Due to the impact of the storm circulation, the Gulf of Tonkin will suffer from strong winds and rough seas with 5-6 metres high. Heavy rains are expected to soak parts of the northern region, while mountainous localities are warned of flash floods and landslides.
To cope with the approaching storm, coastal provinces and cities have implemented plans to evacuate 119,000 people in areas at risk of storm impact.
Border guard forces from Quang Ninh to Khanh Hoa have co-ordinated with local authorities to inform and direct more than 73,000 vessels and aquaculture farms with about 240,000 labourers to actively carry out safety measures.
On July 18, the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines (VNA) announced that due to the impact of Rammasun the airline has adjusted routes to north-eastern Asia from July 17-19 to stay away from areas affected by the storm, ensuring safety for its flights. The path of the storm could affect Cat Bi Airport (Haiphong), Noi Bai (Hanoi), and Golden Star (Thanh Hoa) on July 19, so VNA proposes passengers get frequent updates on the storm development to properly adjust travel schedules to those airports.
The projected path of Rammasun (Image credit: NCHMF)
Border guard forces help locals brace for the storm. (Image credit: Nhan Dan)
People evacuated to safe shelter (Image credit: Nhan Dan)
