Typhoon Matmo weakens after making landfall in China, heavy rains to be seen in northern Vietnam highlands

Early Monday morning, typhoon Matmo made landfall in China's Guangxi province, downgraded to level 8, and is forecast to weaken into a tropical depression when entering northern Vietnam's mountainous region by this afternoon.

The typhoon is moving west-northwest at 20 km/h, continuing to move deep into mainland China and by 4 p.m. today (Monday) in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam, weakening into a tropical depression and then a low pressure area, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) reported.

Due to the typhoon’s circulation, strong winds will persist today across the northern border provinces of Quang Ninh and Lang Son, with speeds of level 6-7 and gusts up to level 9. Elsewhere in the North, strong winds are not expected to be significant.

From today morning until tomorrow (Tuesday) night, the mountainous and midland areas of northern Vietnam will have heavy rain, generally 100-200 mm, in some places over 300 mm, down 50-100 mm compared to yesterday's forecast.

As for Hanoi, Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said that there was no heavy rain in Hanoi on Monday morning. From noon to night, the circulation after the typhoon could cause 50-100 mm of rain, locally over 150 mm.

The rain is unlikely to cause widespread flooding like on September 30, however, local flooding can still occur in low-lying areas with slow drainage.

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.

On Sunday, Hanoi authorities had decided to suspend classes for 2.3 million preschool and general education students to ensure safety, after the belated decision to shut schools on September 30.

City authorities had stated that they encourage agencies and organizations to arrange for officials, public employees, and workers to work from home on Monday in the event of severe weather conditions.

In coastal and northern provinces, including Hai Phong, Hung 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 Da Nang 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.