Tropical Storm No. 1 Weakens to Tropical Depression as Flash Flood and Landslide Warnings Issued
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has issued its latest update, reporting that as of noon on July 5, Tropical Storm No. 1 has weakened into a tropical depression after moving deeper inland into southern Guangxi Province, China. Despite this downgrade, authorities remain concerned about potential weather-related hazards affecting northern Vietnam.
Storm Movement and Weakening Process
According to the most recent update from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the tropical depression, formerly known as Tropical Storm No. 1, is moving in a west-northwest direction at approximately 15-20km/h. As of 13:00 on July 5, the center of the tropical depression was located at approximately 22.5°N latitude; 108.0°E longitude, over the southern region of Guangxi Province, China.
The forecast indicates that within the next 12 hours, the tropical depression will continue moving rapidly in a west-northwest direction at about 20km per hour, penetrating further inland into China and continuing to weaken.
Technical Specifications
| Time Period | Classification | Storm Center Location | Wind Speed | Radius of Strong Winds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before July 5 | Tropical Storm No. 1 | East Sea | Level 8-9, gusting to Level 12 | 200km |
| After July 5 | Tropical Depression | Southern Guangxi Province, China | Level 6-7, gusting to Level 9 | 100-200km |
Flash Flood and Landslide Warnings
Although the system has weakened to a tropical depression, the influence from the rain and wind bands associated with the low-pressure center poses a high risk of flash floods, landslides, and localized flooding in the northern mountainous provinces from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue.
Specifically, from the evening of July 5 through July 6, the northern mountainous regions of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving very heavy rainfall. The predicted rainfall ranges from 100-200mm, with some locations potentially exceeding 200mm.
High-Risk Areas
- Thanh Hoa (northern mountainous region)
- Nghe An (northern mountainous region)
- Ha Tinh (northern mountainous region)
- Quang Binh (northern mountainous region)
- Quang Tri (northern mountainous region)
- Thua Thien Hue (northern mountainous region)
Recommendations for Residents
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting advises residents and local authorities to proactively prevent the risk of landslides, flash floods, and localized flooding in mountainous, low-lying, and streamside areas.
Specific recommendations include:
- Closely monitor forecast and warning information from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting and provincial meteorological stations.
- Proactively evacuate residents from high-risk landslide areas, along rivers and streams, and in low-lying areas to safe locations.
- Avoid traveling or working in areas prone to landslides and flash floods.
- Prepare response plans, rescue, and relief measures as necessary.
Response from Authorities
In response to the weather developments, the Steering Committees for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue of the affected provinces have held meetings to implement response measures. Local authorities have been directed to proactively review and identify high-risk areas for landslides and flash floods to develop timely evacuation plans.
Provincial police forces have also increased personnel and equipment to respond promptly to any incidents that may occur.
Weather Forecast for the Coming Period
Meanwhile, in the northern East Sea, another tropical depression is active with its center approximately at 19.0°N latitude; 116.0°E longitude, about 400km east-southeast of the coast of southern Guangdong Province, China. This tropical depression has the potential to strengthen into a storm within the next 24-48 hours.
Residents are urged to closely monitor weather developments to take proactive measures in disaster prevention and mitigation.