Vietnam could face two tropical depressions or storms in August, according to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

NCHMF deputy director Hoang Phuc Lam said the center was monitoring the possibility of weather disturbances that could evolve into tropical depressions or storms in the East Sea over the next five to seven days.

Lam noted that under the influence of the tropical depression, the northern part of Vietnam will experience strong winds and rough seas, while heavy rains and strong winds are likely to occur in the coastal areas in the next few days.

“Storms and tropical depressions are likely to hit in the northern part of the East Sea this month and increase in frequency in the following months,” the deputy director said.

The satellite image of Storm Chaba which hit Vietnam in July 2022. Photo: NCHMF

“Moreover, the La Nina weather phenomenon would continue from now until the end of 2022 leading to more severe natural disasters. This is the third consecutive year Vietnam has faced La Nina in which around 10-12 storms and tropical depressions would hit the East Sea and six of them would ravage Vietnam, equal to previous years in number,” Lam stressed. 

He added that in August alone, the total rainfall in the northern region would be 10-20% higher than in many previous years. Precipitation would be between 5-10% higher in September.

As of August 5, rains and strong thunderstorms were recorded in the northern and central parts of Vietnam, as well as the maritime areas from Ca Mau Province to Kien Giang Province and in the Gulf of Thailand.

Statistics from 2002 to 2021 showed that Vietnam was often struck by about one to two tropical depressions or storms in August. In August 2005 and 2020,  three tropical depressions or storms made incursion into Vietnam's maritime area. There were no tropical depressions or storms in August 2011 and 2015.

“There is a 90% chance that Vietnam will be hit by one to two tropical depressions or storms this August,” Lam noted, listing some powerful storms that struck Vietnam in August, including Storm Mindulle (2010) and Storm Kai Tai (2012).

“The central region of Vietnam would be the most affected by  heavy rains in the next two months, which would cause serious flooding,” Lam said, expressing concern about the risk of consecutive torrential rains and floods similar to those in previous years.

The hydro-meteorological expert also warned of complicated weather developments from now to the end of 2022.

During the rainy season until October, rainfall in the northern region is likely to be equal to or higher than the average. In contrast, the Central Highlands and the southern regions are projected to experience less rainfall. High risk of downpours and dangerous weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, whirlwinds and hail are possible on a nationwide scale.

To proactively respond to natural disasters, the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control has asked localities to focus on improving the quality of natural disaster forecasting and rescue work and preparing plans for flood prevention in downstream areas.

The committee will also inspect the prevention of forest fires and response plans to oil spills in some localities, as well as the ability to mobilize forces and means of ministries, branches and localities to deal with incidents and natural disasters.