According to the latest storm news from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), Typhoon Fytia officially reached super typhoon intensity, with the strongest wind near the storm center reaching 185km/h.
The storm formed from a low pressure area in the Mozambique Strait from January 29 and continuously intensified, reaching super typhoon intensity in just 48 hours.
The storm made landfall in Soalala district (Madagascar) at 4:30 am on January 31st at super typhoon level.
According to the Madagascar meteorological agency, the average sustained wind is about 150 km/h, gusts up to 210 km/h near the storm center. The system moves in a southeast direction at a speed of 18 km/h.
Currently, moderate to heavy rain affects Boeny, northern Melaky and western Betsiboka. In 24 hours, storm FYTIA may cause very heavy rain of 50-150 mm, increasing the risk of widespread flooding, flash floods, landslides and traffic jams. After passing through the central highlands, the storm is expected to return to the sea on Sunday morning in the Közép region.
The northwest of Madagascar is recording rapidly worsening weather, accompanied by heavy rain, strong destructive winds, dangerous rough seas and the risk of coastal waterlogging. Many areas have been placed on red alert.
Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast during the storm's landfall from Saturday, January 31st to Sunday, February 1st. In fact, flooding has begun to appear in some places in this island nation.
The storm season in the southwest Indian Ocean in 2025-2026 begins early. Before super typhoon FYTIA, the region recorded tropical storms Awo (July 2025), Blossom (September 2025) and Chenge (October 2025).
Experts predict storm activity this season will be approximately or higher than average, with 9-14 systems likely to form, of which about 6 will reach strong tropical storm level.
Tourists who are present or preparing to travel to Madagascar, Réunion Island and the southwestern Indian Ocean area should closely monitor weather forecasts and storm warnings from local meteorological agencies.
Limit road travel, avoid hilly areas, rivers and streams and coastal areas during heavy rain and strong winds. Sea tourism, boat tourism, and diving activities need to be temporarily suspended until weather conditions are safe again.
Meanwhile, the sea weather in Vietnam is affected by the intensified cold air wave.
At Bach Long Vi station, there was strong Northeast wind at level 6, gusting at level 7.
Forecast for the day and night of January 31, the Gulf of Tonkin has level 6 Northeast wind, gusts of level 7-8; rough seas; waves 1.5-2.5m high.
Sea area north of the Northern East Sea area: wind gradually strengthens to level 6, gusts level 7-8; rough seas; waves 2.0-4.0m high.
On land, due to the influence of cold air, from February 1st to the night of February 3rd, the area from Quang Tri to Da Nang City and the eastern provinces from Quang Ngai to Gia Lai will have rain, showers; locally there will be moderate rain, heavy rain and thunderstorms. In thunderstorms, there is a possibility of tornadoes, lightning and strong gusts of wind.
Localized heavy rain is at risk of causing flooding, flash floods, landslides; strong winds and big waves at sea affect boat and maritime activities. People and tourists need to comply with safety recommendations from local authorities.
