NDMP Typhoon Utor Daily Update

(Issued at 8.00 am on 14 December 2006)

The typhoon is rapidly declining; perhaps it will turn to a tropical depression in the north of Hoang Sa. However, the sea still has stormy wind at the Beaufort scale 7 to 8, gusting above scale 9. Waves are 3-5m high. Very heavy sea.

There is Northeast wind at the Beaufort scale 6 to 7, gusting above scale 7 in the Gulf of Tonkin and off the coast of the Central North and Middle Centre. Heavy sea.

According to the telegraph No. 6 dated 13 Dec 2006 from CCFSC to provincial Committees for Flood and Storm Control, the dangerous area is from 12^oN to 22^oN latitude (from Khanh Hoa to Quang Ninh). Boats and ships in this area are prohibited from sailing; those outside the dangerous area can move normally but must pay close attention to storm news in order to be actively prepared upon weather’s fluctuation. Central provinces are required to make preparation for potential storms and floods, have reservoirs ready to store the maximum amount of water while keeping them safe.

As the storm is weakening, the dangerous area is being narrowed down correspondingly. CCFSC suggested to identify the area from 15^oN to 20^oN latitude and from 110^oE to 115^oE longitude as dangerous one. Other regions are recommended to have permission for usual activities.