Typhoon Yagi, the third storm to strike the East Vietnam Sea this year, has intensified, with gusts reaching up to 149 kph, and is expected to approach China's Hainan Island before entering the Gulf of Tonkin by Saturday, according to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting.

As of 4:00 am on Wednesday, the storm was located in the northern region of the East Vietnam Sea, east of Hainan Island, with sustained winds of up to 117 kph and gusts reaching 149 kph.

The central weather agency reported that Yagi is moving westward toward Hainan Island at a speed of 10 kph, and its strength is anticipated to increase.

By 4:00 am on Thursday, the typhoon is forecast to be about 560 kilometers east of Hainan, with winds of 149 kph and squalls up to 201 kph.

Over the following 24-48 hours, the storm is expected to continue its westward trajectory at 10 kph, gaining further intensity.

By 4:00 am on Friday, the storm’s center is projected to be 230 kilometers east of Hainan, with winds of 166 kph and squalls up to 220 kph.

The typhoon is then forecast to move west-northwest, making landfall on Hainan Island before entering the Gulf of Tonkin, where it is likely to weaken slightly.

As of 4:00 am on Saturday, Yagi is expected to be centered in the Gulf of Tonkin, with sustained winds of 149 kph and gusts up to 201 kph.

The storm is predicted to continue moving west-northwest at 15 kph over the next 72 hours, gradually weakening.

Affected by the typhoon, the eastern waters of the northern part of the East Vietnam Sea will be extremely rough with sea waves rising to four to six meters, with powerful winds ranging from 102 kph to 149 kph, along with gusts reaching 201 kph within 24 hours from now.

On Thursday and Friday, squalls near typhoon Yagi's eye could intensify to 220 kph, causing dangerously rough seas with waves potentially reaching up to nine meters, posing significant risks to vessels.

In a telegram issued on Monday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development instructed coastal provinces and relevant agencies to closely monitor Yagi.

Authorities were urged to keep ships operating in potentially affected sea areas informed of the storm's developments to avoid impacts and to prepare rescue plans if necessary.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also issued an urgent directive on Tuesday, ordering the ministries, agencies, and local authorities from Quang Ngai to Quang Ninh Provinces, as well as in the northern region, to take immediate measures to respond to the approaching typhoon, which could directly impact the country in the coming days.

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