Typhoon Yagi, the third storm to strike the East Vietnam Sea this year, was centered in waters off Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City in northern Vietnam as of 9:00 am on Saturday, packing maximum sustained winds of 166 kilometers per hour near its center, according to the national weather agency.

The storm is moving west-northwest at some 20 kilometers per hour.

The National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting said that Yagi could make landfall in northern Vietnamese provinces on Saturday and bring powerful winds to coastal areas running from Quang Ninh to north-central Thanh Hoa Province.

From now until the morning of Monday, widespread heavy rainfall of 350mm is possible in the northern region plus Thanh Hoa, in addition to a heightened risk of flooding, flash floods, and landslides.

A satellite Image of typhoon Yagi at 5:00 am on September 7, 2024. Photo: Vietnam’s National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting

The national weather agency has issued a level-four natural disaster risk warning for the coastal and inland areas of Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, a level-three disaster risk warning for the Gulf of Tonkin, as well as the coastal and inland areas of Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, and Thanh Hoa.

Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, elaborated that Yagi is the most intense storm to hit the East Vietnam Sea over the past 30 years

He urged residents in the coastal locales like Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh, which could be directly impacted by the typhoon, not to venture out during heavy downpours and strong winds throughout Saturday.

Strong winds sway trees in Hanoi, September 7, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

He underlined the need for immediate evacuation of residents and assets in the mountainous and midland areas of northern provinces and Thanh Hoa, which are vulnerable to flooding, flash floods, and landslides.

People should stay alert to the possibility of flash floods and landslides a few days after the typhoon passes, he warned.

During a meeting with the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting on Saturday morning, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha commended the weather agency for the accuracy of recent storm forecasts and urged authorities to keep a close watch on its path and impact.

Deputy PM Ha stressed the need to protect coastal dikes, warning that waves could reach 6-7 meters high.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha works with employees of the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting in Hanoi, September 7, 2024. Photo: Tuan Phung / Tuoi Tre

By 8:00 am on Saturday, heavy rains accompanied by strong winds began lashing Ha Long City of Quang Ninh Province, prompting authorities to temporarily ban motorbikes from crossing the Bai Chay Bridge, while transport services were arranged to assist residents.

In Hai Phong City, winds picked up strength, accompanied by heavy rainfall and large waves crashing against the shore in Do Son District.

Meanwhile, powerful winds and excessive rains battered the island district of Bach Long Vi from 7:00 am the same day.

Typhoon Yagi wreaks havoc on Co To Island off Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, September 7, 2024. Photo: Supplied

In related news, the education authorities of Bac Ninh, Lang Son, and Thai Nguyen Provinces in northern Vietnam announced that local schools are closed on Saturday to ensure student and teacher safety over the expected arrival of Yagi the same day.

The authorities said that further announcements will be made based on the typhoon’s developments.

Local authorities and schools across these provinces are on standby to timely respond to emergencies caused by the typhoon.

Students pose for a photo during the new school year opening ceremony in Bac Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, September 5, 2024. Photo: Ha Quan / Tuoi Tre

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