Super Typhoon Yagi, the third named storm of the 2024 Pacific typhoon season, is rapidly approaching Vietnam’s northern coast with alarming intensity. As of 10:00 AM on September 6th, the storm’s center was located at 19.3°N 112.0°E, approximately 130 km east-southeast of Hainan Island, China, and 570 km east-southeast of Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. Packing maximum sustained winds of 184-201 km/h (equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale), with gusts exceeding 211 km/h, Yagi has been classified as a super typhoon, posing a significant threat to coastal communities and inland areas.
Yagi’s Impact at Sea: Fierce Winds and Towering Waves
The storm’s impact on the northwestern region of the South China Sea is already being felt, with rough seas, towering waves, and strong winds. The area west of the storm’s center is experiencing winds of 11-14 on the Beaufort scale, while the eye wall is witnessing winds of 15-16, with gusts exceeding 17. By the afternoon of September 6th, the eastern waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, including Bach Long Vi Island, will experience increasing winds of 6-7 on the Beaufort scale. As the night progresses, the entire Gulf of Tonkin, including Bach Long Vi Island and Co To Island, will be hit by winds of 8-9, gradually increasing to 10-11, while the area near the typhoon’s center will face winds of 12-14 with gusts reaching 17.
Sea conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly, with waves reaching heights of 7-9 meters in the northwestern region of the South China Sea. Near the super typhoon’s center, waves are projected to reach a staggering 10-12 meters. From the afternoon of September 6th onwards, the Gulf of Tonkin will experience waves of 2-4 meters, increasing to 3-5 meters, with the area near the typhoon’s center experiencing waves of 6-8 meters. Coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Thanh Hoa provinces will see waves of 2-3 meters, increasing to 2-4 meters, with waves reaching 3-5 meters near the typhoon’s center.
Coastal Preparations: Evacuations and Storm Surge Warnings
Coastal areas are bracing for Yagi’s impact, with storm surge warnings issued for regions from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ninh provinces. Storm surge levels are expected to reach 0.5 meters in Thanh Hoa and 1.8 meters in Quang Ninh during the afternoon and evening of September 7th. Water levels will recede by approximately 0.5 meters in Thanh Hoa and 1 meter in Quang Ninh by the morning of September 8th. Local authorities have initiated evacuations from low-lying coastal areas, river estuaries, and areas prone to flooding.
Landfall and Inland Impact: Heavy Rains and Strong Winds
Super Typhoon Yagi is expected to make landfall in Vietnam sometime between the afternoon and evening of September 7th, between the provinces of Quang Ninh and Thai Binh. While its intensity is expected to decrease upon landfall, Yagi will still be a powerful typhoon with winds of 12-13, with gusts reaching 14. The storm’s extensive circulation will bring heavy rains and strong winds to most of the northern coastal provinces.
Inland areas, including Hanoi, are also bracing for Yagi’s impact. The capital city is expected to experience heavy rains and thunderstorms starting on the evening of September 6th, intensifying on September 7th. Total rainfall in Hanoi’s central districts is projected to reach 200-300 mm, with some areas exceeding 400 mm. Strong winds are also expected, reaching 5-6 on the Beaufort scale, increasing to 7-8 with gusts reaching 10, starting from the morning of September 7th.
Government Response: Disaster Risk Levels and Military Mobilization
The Vietnamese government has issued a Level 4 disaster risk alert, indicating a very high risk of severe damage. This marks the first time in history that a Level 4 alert has been issued for the Gulf of Tonkin. The Vietnam People’s Army has been mobilized to assist with disaster relief efforts, with units deployed to high-risk areas to provide support to local communities.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Super Typhoon Yagi is a powerful and dangerous storm that poses a significant threat to life and property. It is crucial to stay informed about the storm’s progress and heed the warnings and instructions issued by local authorities.
Unilever.edu.vn encourages everyone in the affected areas to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
