Typhoon Ragasa weakens into tropical depression

As it mainly moved over the mainland of China's Guangxi province, typhoon Ragasa has weakened faster than forecast, with the possibility of wind and rain affecting Vietnam having decreased.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) at 10 a.m. today (Thursday) reported that in the sea of Quang Ninh province, about 40 km east of Mong Cai, Ragasa has weakened into a tropical depression, with maximum winds of 61 km/h, level 7, gusting up two levels.

After entering Mong Cai with level 7 winds, the tropical depression is forecast to move westward, move deep into the Northeast, and gradually dissipate, closing the eight-day life cycle of Ragasa.

Under the influence of the tropical depression, from today afternoon (Thursday) until tomorrow night (Friday), northern Vietnam and the north-central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An will have widespread rain of 80-180 mm, locally over 300 mm. Heavy rain might cause urban flooding.

From now until Saturday, September 27, floods are likely to occur on rivers in northern Vietnam, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An. Heavy rains are likely to cause flooding in low-lying areas, flash floods on small rivers and streams, and landslides on steep slopes.