A low-pressure system has formed in the southern East Vietnam Sea and has a 65-percent chance of strengthening into a tropical depression in the coming days, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said on Friday.

From December 23 to 26, central and southern Vietnam will possibly experience moderate to heavy rainfall of 100-300mm due to the combined effects of the low-pressure system and a cold front.

Rainfall in the eastern part of the Central Highlands region could reach 60-120mm between December 24 and 25, with localized areas receiving over 200mm.

Strong winds are expected across several regions due to the influence of the low-pressure trough and the cold front. 

From Friday night through Sunday this week, some parts of the East Vietnam Sea, including Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago, the waters from Binh Dinh Province to Ca Mau Province, the waters from Quang Tri Province to Quang Ngai Province, and the Gulf of Tonkin will endure strong winds, gusts, and high waves of 2-6m.

Authorities warned that all vessels in these areas are at high risk of damage from whirlwinds and rough seas.

On Friday afternoon, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued an urgent directive to provinces from Quang Binh to Binh Thuan, as well as the Central Highlands, to prepare for potential flooding, landslides, and agricultural damage.

Local authorities were asked to alert residents, relocate vulnerable communities, and clear waterways to prevent blockages.

Safety measures for reservoirs, especially smaller hydropower and irrigation structures, are also being prioritized. 

Local authorities were also told to dispatch task forces to ensure the safe operation of dams and to handle emergency situations effectively.

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