NDMP Typhoon Utor Daily Update

(as of 7.30 AM, 12 December 2006)

I. Situation of typhoon Utor

At 4 AM on 12 December 2006, the typhoon center was located approximately 580km southeast of Hoang Sa (Paracel Islands). The strongest wind force near the typhoon center was at Beaufort scale 12, 13 gusting above 13. The typhoon is moving to the West and Northwest West at the speed of 10-15 km per hour.

Due to its impact, the East Sea region (including the Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands) has stormy wind at Beaufort scale 10, 11 while areas near the storm eye suffer wind force at Beaufort scale 12, 13, gusting above 13, with waves as high as 8-10m. The sea is extremely violent.

II. Preparedness

Central level:

The Central Committee held meetings with its members and sent urgent telegraphs to coastal provinces. Boats and ships are required to return to shore immediately and do not park in the Paracel Islands; local governments evacuate people and strengthen houses in prevention of typhoon landfall.

Local level:

Coastal provinces have guided boats and ships to park at the shelters and rescued fishermen.

III. Remarks and recommendations

The typhoon is directly affecting the Paracel Islands with the radius of 300km and will affect territorial waters belonging to provinces from Thua Thien Hue to Binh Dinh.

Safety for boats / ships and fishermen offshore is still the first priority, especially for boats sheltering at the Paracel Islands.

Another cool air block has appeared, so it is necessary to watch for torrential rain which may cause floods in central provinces.

Central provinces should be watchful in case the typhoon turns its direction and lands to their territories.