HCMC – Storm Koinu is forecast to enter the East Sea tonight, October 5, becoming the fourth storm to hit Vietnam this year, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
As of 7 a.m. this morning, the storm’s eye was located in the waters south of Taiwan, with maximum winds ranging from 150 to 166 kilometers per hour. It was accompanied by winds at level 14 and gusts at level 17. Presently, the storm is moving westward at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour.
In the evening, it is expected to enter the northeast part of the East Sea, marking the fourth storm to affect Vietnam this year. Following that, the storm will maintain its westward trajectory and gradually weaken.
By 7 a.m. tomorrow, the storm is projected to be approximately 190 kilometers east-southeast of Guangdong, China, with winds at levels 11-12, gusting at level 14.
Over the next 24-48 hours and 48-72 hours, the storm will continue moving westward, tracking along the waters to the southeast of Guangdong Province.
Meteorological experts believe that Storm Koinu is unlikely to have a significant impact on the mainland of Vietnam. However, it is predicted that the northern part of the East Sea will experience strong winds at levels 7-10 today.
In the areas near the storm’s center, strong winds at levels 11-12 are expected from this evening, gusting at level 15, accompanied by rough seas.
The waters from Ca Mau to Kien Giang provinces and the Gulf of Thailand are anticipated to receive heavy rain and thunderstorms, potentially accompanied by tornadoes and winds at levels 6-7. Consequently, all vessels and maritime activities in these sea areas are at high risk of being affected by strong winds and rough seas.
Due to the storm’s impacts, Vietnam Airlines has canceled flights VN587 from Kaohsiung to Hanoi and VN581 from Kaohsiung to HCMC. Vietjet Air has also temporarily suspended operations for flights VJ885 and VJ886 between HCMC and Kaohsiung, and vice versa.
