Yagi becomes strongest typhoon in South China Sea in 30 years

Super typhoon Yagi has been identified as the most powerful storm to hit the South China Sea in the past three decades, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Mai Van Khiem, director of the center, told VnExpress on Friday that Yagi, which is moving towards northern Vietnam coast at a speed of 15-20 kph, packing winds of 201 kph, is the strongest storm in 30 years in the South China Sea, known in Vietnam as the East Sea.

Khiem said super typhoons typically originate in the northwestern Pacific Ocean before entering the East Sea, where they usually weaken. It is unusual for powerful storms to form directly over the East Sea.

« Historically, no storm has ever entered the East Sea, strengthened into a super typhoon, and directly impacted Vietnam. There have been only two storms that became super typhoons after entering from the Pacific Ocean, but neither affected Vietnam, » Khiem noted.

A distinguishing feature of typhoon Yagi is the speed at which it intensified, a rare occurrence for storms in the East Sea, Khiem added.

In the past, the East Sea has experienced other powerful storms, such as Ellen, Betty, Angela, Megi, Usagi and Haiyan. However, none were comparable to Yagi. Khiem pointed to typhoon Mirinae, which made landfall between Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh in northern Vietnam in June 2016, resulting in three deaths, four missing persons, the sinking of 12 vessels, damage to 1,430 houses, and the flooding of over 196,000 hectares of rice fields.

Khiem warned that without proactive measures, typhoon Yagi could cause significant damage. The greatest concerns are the strong winds, rough seas and heavy downpours, which may lead to floods, landslides and widespread inundation.

Gales are expected to first hit the Mong Cai area in Quang Ninh, close to China border, between 1-4 a.m. on Saturday, with the strongest winds anticipated from noon to evening the same day, Khiem said.

As the storm moves inland, areas such as Lang Son, Bac Giang, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Ha Nam, Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa will experience weaker winds.

Rainfall levels in northern Vietnam, including Thanh Hoa, could reach up to 500 mm through Monday. Rainfall will begin in northeastern Vietnam on Saturday and gradually extend westward as the typhoon progresses. The heaviest rains in northeastern regions are expected on Saturday, while northwestern regions will see the most rainfall from Saturday night into Sunday.

Residents are urged to follow local authorities’ instructions, including securing homes and vessels, and evacuating if necessary. Those in coastal areas such as Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh, where Yagi’s impacts will be most severe, are advised to stay indoors during downpours.

Mountainous and midland regions in northern Vietnam are at heightened risk of floods and landslides. Authorities should evacuate people and safeguard property if safety cannot be guaranteed.

By Gia Chinh – VnExpress.net – September 6, 2024