A tropical depression recently formed near the Philippines is forecast to head toward the East Vietnam Sea, carrying heavy rains and rough seas.

The depression formed in the sea area just east of the southern Philippine islands Thursday afternoon before heading northwest towards the East Vietnam Sea, according to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

The system made landfall in the southern region of the Philippines around 1:00 am the same day, packing winds of 40 to 50kph and squalls up to 74kph.

The tropical depression is forecast to continue traveling northwest at an average velocity of 15 to 20kph, into the northeastern area of the Sulu Sea, located west of the Philippines, by 1:00 pm on Friday.

All vessels operating in central areas of the East Vietnam Sea have been advised to monitor the storm’s development and take appropriate preventative safety measures.

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