This afternoon (October 27), after moving deep into the mainland across Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, and Da Nang, Typhoon Trami weakened to a tropical depression.

By 4 p.m., the center of the tropical depression was located over the provinces of Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam, with maximum winds reaching level 7, gusting to level 9, moving southwestward at about 5 km/h.

Over the next 12 hours, the tropical depression is expected to move slowly southeast at a speed of 3-5 km/h, with wind levels decreasing to level 6, gusting to level 8. By 1 p.m. on October 28, it may further weaken into a low-pressure area off the coast of Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam.

This afternoon, Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of Weather Forecasting at the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, reported that as of 5 p.m., Typhoon Trami had impacted Quang Tri to Quang Nam provinces, weakening to a tropical depression over Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, and Da Nang.

Mr. Tuan noted that the tropical depression is expected to shift southward and likely move out to sea, weakening further in the Central Vietnam coastal areas.

Mr. Tuan also added that the center has been closely monitoring Typhoon Kong-rey, currently forming in the distant eastern waters near Luzon Island, Philippines.

At 1 p.m., the storm was located more than 1,000 km offshore and continues to strengthen. Forecasts indicate that the storm will move westward, with a possible slight shift northward.

"Recent data suggests a shift leftward from initial forecasts, indicating that Kong-rey may come closer to the East Sea," Mr. Tuan remarked. The forecasting center will provide updates as the storm progresses.

Due to Typhoon Trami, strong winds were recorded in several areas: Con Co Island (Quang Tri) experienced level 8 winds, gusting to level 9; Cu Lao Cham Island (Quang Nam) recorded level 8 winds, gusting to level 10; Ly Son Island (Quang Ngai) saw level 6 winds, gusting to level 7; Le Thuy (Quang Binh) encountered level 7 winds, gusting to level 9; Nam Dong (Thua Thien Hue) saw level 8 winds, gusting to level 10; and Cam Le (Da Nang) experienced level 8 winds, gusting to level 9, while Son Tra (Da Nang) recorded level 9 winds, gusting to level 10.

On the mainland, winds reached levels 6-8 in Quang Binh to Quang Nam, while near the center of the tropical depression, winds reached levels 6-7, gusting to levels 8-9.

From last night until this afternoon, heavy to torrential rains affected areas from Ha Tinh to Quang Nam, with rainfall totals from October 27 reaching 150-250 mm and exceeding 400 mm in some locations.

Forecasts suggest continued heavy rains through the night of October 28 in areas from South Ha Tinh to Thua Thien Hue, with rainfall totals ranging from 150-250 mm and locally exceeding 400 mm. There is a high risk of isolated downpours (>100 mm/3 hours) in these areas. Da Nang to Quang Ngai and Kon Tum are also expected to receive heavy rain, with totals of 70-150 mm and over 200 mm in some areas.

Phung Tien Dung, Head of the Hydrological Forecasting Department at the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, noted that intense rainfall in Central Vietnam has caused river levels in Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue to rise rapidly.

This afternoon, the water level in the Kien Giang River (Quang Binh) exceeded Alert Level 3 by 0.5 meters. Rivers in Quang Tri were between Alert Levels 2 and 3, with some reaching above Alert Level 3. Rivers in Thua Thien Hue also surpassed Alert Level 2, particularly the Huong River.

With the heavy rains and rising rivers, flooding has affected Le Thuy, Quang Ninh, and Dong Hoi in Quang Binh; Trieu Phong, Hai Lang, Gio Linh, Dong Ha, and Quang Tri Town in Quang Tri Province. In Thua Thien Hue, flooding has impacted Phu Loc, Phu Vang, Huong Thuy, Huong Tra, and Hue City.

Projections indicate that the Kien Giang River will continue to rise, reaching a peak above Alert Level 3 within the next 24 hours. In Quang Tri, river levels are expected to continue rising to just below or above Alert Level 3 over the next 6-12 hours, maintaining a high flood level.

Bao Anh