According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as of 5:00 a.m. on October 22 (local time), the center of storm Kristine (local name in the Philippines) was located at 13.2 degrees North latitude, 127.8 degrees East longitude, about 390 km east of Virac, Catanduanes.
The storm is moving west at 15 km/h, with maximum sustained winds near the center of the storm of 65 km/h and gusts of up to 80 km/h.
PAGASA forecasts that the tropical storm may make landfall in Isabela, Philippines tomorrow, October 23. The storm is likely to reach tropical storm strength on October 23 and further intensify into a typhoon on October 25.
The storm has the international name Trami, the proposed Vietnamese name is Tra Mi. When moving into the East Sea, storm Tra Mi is forecast to become the 6th storm of the 2024 storm season in Vietnam.
"We cannot rule out the possibility of changes in the storm's track, depending on the movement of the weather system around this tropical storm in the next few days," said Nathaniel Servando, an expert at PAGASA.
Accordingly, the storm's direction is most likely to change when it reaches the northern Philippines mainland and enters the East Sea. It is not excluded that Trami will continue to strengthen if conditions are favorable to become a super typhoon.
To cope with this storm that is likely to enter the East Sea, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has sent an urgent telegram to the People's Committees of coastal provinces and cities from Quang Ninh to Binh Dinh; the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security and a number of related units.
The content of the telegram requires provinces, cities and ministries to closely monitor forecast and warning bulletins; notify captains and owners of vehicles and vessels operating at sea to proactively prevent and have appropriate production plans, ensuring safety of people and property; maintain communication to promptly handle bad situations that may occur. Prepare forces and means for rescue when requested.
On land, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends deploying shock forces to inspect and review residential areas along rivers, streams, low-lying areas, and areas at high risk of flooding, flash floods, and landslides; proactively evacuate people in dangerous areas to safe places.
It is recommended to organize forces to guard, control, and guide traffic safety for people and vehicles, especially at culverts, spillways, deep flooded areas, areas with strong currents, areas where landslides have occurred or are at risk of landslides; arrange forces, materials, and means to overcome incidents, and ensure smooth traffic on main traffic routes.
Organize operations and implement plans to ensure safety of reservoirs and downstream areas, especially small hydropower reservoirs, important irrigation reservoirs, and projects under construction; arrange permanent forces to operate and be ready to handle possible situations.
Given the current weather conditions, many flights to affected areas are likely to be delayed/cancelled during the storm's active period.
In Vietnam, the weather in coastal areas from Binh Dinh to Quang Ninh may be affected by the circulation of storm Tra Mi. Residents and tourists should pay attention to weather forecasts, arrange travel schedules and outdoor activities appropriately to ensure safety.
