HÀ NỘI — Proactive preparations are urged in the face of an incoming tropical depression which is likely to strengthen into a typhoon over the next 24-48 hours, the central steering on natural disaster prevention said on Friday.

As per the latest report by the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorology Forecasting, the depression was recorded in the southern region of the South China Sea on Friday  afternoon. If it strengthens to become a typhoon, it would mark the 14^th to hit Việt Nam this year.

It is expected that in the next 24 hours, the tropical depression will head in a west-northwest direction at a speed of 25-30km/h and pick up strength along its course. It is forecasted that the tropical depression will likely arrive in south-central provinces, which are still reeling from devastating typhoon Damrey earlier this month.

This morning, the centre of the tropical depression lies above the Trường Sa (Spratly) Islands of Việt Nam, with winds of force 7.

Heavy rainstorms are already raging in the southern part of the South China Sea.

Authorities of coastal localities are tasked with providing frequent weather forecasts and timely updates to captains and vessel owners of the incoming tropical depression and help them find safe shelters in such cases. Rescue forces will also need to be on constant alert to immediately respond to any emergencies.

The central steering committee has ordered authorities of in-land areas to prepare for heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides and other possible scenarios due to the impact of the tropical depression.

State-run news agencies – Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam Television, and Voice of Vietnam – are asked to increase the frequency and airtime of their weather updates. — VNS