HANOI: Early this morning, Typhoon Matmo – the 11th storm to enter Vietnam’s East Sea this year – has moved inland over Guangxi Province, China, on Monday (Oct 6) morning and weakened to level 8 (62–74 km/h) with gusts up to level 10 (89–102 km/h), according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
The storm is expected to continue moving further inland and weaken into a tropical depression by this afternoon, before dissipating into a low-pressure area over the northern mountainous region of Vietnam.
Due to the storm’s circulation, strong winds will persist today across the northern border provinces of Quang Ninh and Lạng Son, with speeds of level 6–7 and gusts up to level 9. Elsewhere in northern Vietnam, strong winds are not expected to be significant.
While wind impacts to Vietnam dwindled as the storm moves northward, Typhoon Matmo continues to bring heavy rainfall to northern provinces and Thanh Hoa from now until the night of Oct 7.
The heaviest rains are forecast in the northern mountainous and midland areas, with totals ranging from 100–200mm and some locations exceeding 300 mm. In the Red River Delta and Thanh Hoa, rainfall is expected at 50–150mm, with isolated areas seeing over 200mm.
Authorities warn of a very high risk of flash floods, landslides in mountainous regions, and flooding in low-lying and urban areas — particularly in Lang Son, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang and Lao Cai.
Forecasters note that rainfall caused by the storm’s circulation will occur in intervals. Residents are advised not to let down their guard even if it is not raining at certain times during the day.
Hanoi is not expected to suffer widespread flooding as seen on Sept 30 in the wake of Typhoon Bualoi (Storm No.10) but inundation will happen in low-lying areas.
Earlier, Hanoi authorities decided to suspend classes for 2.3 million preschool and general education students to ensure safety, after the belated decision to shut schools on Sept 30.
In coastal and northern provinces, including Hai Phong, Hưng Yen, Quang Ninh, and Ninh Binh, local governments have banned vessels from going out to sea and temporarily suspended new departure permits for fishing and transport boats.
Elsewhere, from Nghe An to Lam Dong and across the southern region, rainfall is expected to be minimal today. From Quang Tri to Danang and the eastern parts of Quang Ngai to Lam Dong, the weather will remain sunny and relatively hot, with daytime temperatures ranging from 32–34 degrees Celsius.
By late afternoon and evening, scattered thunderstorms are likely over the Central Highlands and southern provinces, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours accompanied by lightning. — Vietnam News/ANN
