Border guards from Nậm Cắn border post help residents in Mường Xén Commune, Nghệ An Province, clean up and recover after the floods. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Tropical Storm Co May (Storm No. 4) made landfall on the western part of Luzon Island (the Philippines) early on July 25, bringing winds of up to 102km per hour and gusts reaching level 12, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

By 4am, the storm's centre was located at 16.8 degree North latitude, 120.3 degree East longitude. It is moving northeast at 10km per hour and is forecast to weaken as it continues offshore.

By July 26, it is expected to downgrade into a low-pressure area over the northeastern East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea).

Rough seas are forecast across the northern East Sea, with winds at level 9–10 near the storm’s centre and waves reaching 4–6 metres. Affected waters include areas from Khánh Hòa to HCM City, Trường Sa (Spratly) Archipelago, and parts of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Rain and thunderstorms are expected across the East Sea, with risks of tornadoes and gusts up to level 8. The disaster risk level due to strong winds is at level 3 in the eastern northern East Sea.

Heavy rainfall between July 24–25 has raised risks of flash floods and landslides in Lai Châu, Lào Cai, and Nghệ An provinces, with rainfall exceeding 100mm in some areas.

Authorities warn of high risk in dozens of communes, including remote and mountainous areas, where rain may continue through the day. Flash floods could disrupt traffic, damage infrastructure, and threaten lives.

The Ministry of National Defence has deployed forces to support isolated areas in Nghệ An Province. On July 24 , six helicopter relief missions delivered 18 tonnes of supplies to Tương Dương, Kỳ Sơn, Mỹ Lý, Nhôn Mai and Con Cuông communes. Four more flights are scheduled for July 25 .

Nearly 9,300 military and militia personnel, along with 91 vehicles and 66 boats, have been mobilised to assist flood recovery efforts.

According to the National Civil Defence Committee, Typhoon No 3 (Typhoon Wipha) left three dead and two missing. It caused the collapse of 122 houses, damaged over 21,000ha of crops, unroofed hundreds of homes and schools, and triggered landslides in Nghệ An and Thanh Hóa. — VNS