According to the Central Hydro-Meteorology Forecast Center, localities should keep a close watch on the course of typhoon Habigis. Unexpectedly, its direction could change suddenly and hit the south central coastal provinces from Binh Dinh to Ninh Thuan.
Last night, the storm caused rough seas and winds in the south central coastal region from Binh Dinh to Ninh Thuan Provinces, registering between seven and eight on the Beaufort scale.
Over the next 24 hours, the storm is forecast to move slowly in a north-northwesterly direction at 5km per hour.
The sea area between the Spratly and Paracel Archipelagoes and the south central coastal provinces from Binh Dinh to Ninh Thuan are expected to be the most at risk.
The storm is predicted to bring medium to heavy rains to the central and south central parts of the country and the resultant rising waters may cause large-scale flooding and landslides in some areas.
According to the Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control, the storm has left one person missing and led to the sinking of two fishing vessels.
It is estimated that over 179,123 inhabitants are in need of evacuation although many of them have already left the area and reached safe shelters.
Recent reports from border police have it that the news of typhoon Habigis has reached 44,135 offshore ships, 662 of which have found shelters in the sea territories of Indonesia and Malaysia.
Over the past few days, preparation for the storm has been given top priority in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern Mekong Delta. Local dike systems, property and housing have been reinforced and many families are on their way to safer ground.
The Government has allocated VND160 billion (about US$10 million) as relief aid to affected areas.
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