Hanoi (VNA) - A tropical depression movingtowards south-central Vietnam is likely to increase its strength in the next 24hours, the National Centre for Hydro Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF)reported on October 26.

The tropical depression is forecast to dump heavy rain on coastal localitiesfrom Thua Thien-Hue to Binh Thuan, plus the Central Highlands and Southeasternregions, the NCHMF said.

In the early morning on October 26, the depression was about 310km off thecoast of south central Khanh Hoa province, packing winds of 50kph near itscentre.

In the next 36 hours, it is forecast to move in the west-northwest direction ata speed of 10kph-15kph, hit south-central localities and weaken into a lowpressure area.

Heavy downpours will be reported in the regions, withrainfall likely to climb as high as 300mm.

Weather experts warned coastal and mountainous localities ofsevere flooding and landslides when the tropical depression makes landfall.

On October 25, the Prime Minister ordered localities in the central region,ministries, and sectors to take swift actions to address flooding consequencesand gear up for the approaching tropical depression.

An official dispatch issued by the PM noted that incessantrains have occurred in central provinces over the past days, especially fromOctober 22 to 24 in Thua Thien - Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, and Binh Dinhprovinces, causing floods and landslides and isolating certain areas.

While some rivers in the region are still in full spate andseveral areas remain submerged, a tropical depression in the East Sea is movingtowards the mainland, likely to intensify into a storm, and may continuetriggering downpours in the areas from Da Nang city to Binh Thuan province, aswell as the Central Highlands.

To cope with the tropical depression, protect people’slives, and quickly address flood aftermath, the PM requested theadministrations of the localities from Quang Tri to Binh Thuan and those in theCentral Highlands to promptly make preparations for the depression, with afocus on ensuring safety for boats and vessels at sea and taking actions toguarantee people’s safety in case of serious flooding.

Meanwhile, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, and Thua Thien - Hueprovinces were told to swiftly deal with flood aftermath.

The National Steering Committee for Natural DisasterPrevention and Control was asked to direct the timely implementation ofappropriate response measures so as to minimise losses, according to thedispatch./.