July 17, 2017 | 17:16 (GMT+7)
Storm Talas weakens after sweeping through Central Vietnam
Tropical storm Talas landed in the Central provinces of Nghe An and Ha Tinh at around 1 am on July 17, bringing strong wind and heavy rains to the region and is gradually weakening on its way westwards.
Central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien-Hue reported downpours measuring from 70-100mm, with 100-200mm of rains reported in Nghe An through to Quang Binh.
Hundreds of trees in Nghe An province uprooted
As an effect of the storm, the second hitting Vietnam this year, more rains of between 100-200mm are forecast for Northeast and North Central localities on July 17 and 18.
Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific and Vasco had to cancel flights to and from two Central cities of Vinh (Nghe An) and Dong Hoi (Quang Binh) on July 16 over passenger safety.
Latest reports from Nghe An said many houses in Vinh city had their roof blown off and hundreds of trees uprooted. Electricity supply in Vinh and several districts was cut off.
Local authorities are searching for a coal ship which went missing on July 16 night with 13 persons on board.
Source: VNA