Typhoon Nesat to strike northern region

>> Typhoon Nesat sets sights on Vietnam

It is moving at a speed of between 20-25km per hour, said the centre's director, Le Thanh Hai.

The typhoon was forecast to reach China 's Hainan Island September 29 before approaching Vietnam's coastal provinces, he said.

Nesat, the fifth storm this year, is forecast to cause heavy seas and rainfall of up to 300mm in central coastal provinces.

"It will also effect northern cities and provinces, including Hanoi , with average rainfall of between 50-300mm expected," he said.

Meanwhile, another typhoon, Nalgae, has been forming off the coast of the Philippines and is moving towards Vietnam .

"Nalgae is forecast to get stronger over the next few days, with winds of around 133kph forecast. It is expected to enter the East Sea late October 2," Hai said.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has instructed authorities nationwide to prepare for the bad weather.

In an urgent message sent to relevant ministries, agencies and localities on September 28, Hai asked people's committees of provinces and cities from Quang Ninh to Phu Yen to work with border guards, the fisheries sector and ship owners to check the number of vessels currently at sea and guide them to safety.

Provinces from Quang Ninh to Ha Tinh have been instructed to tighten control over vessels and check storm defences, reservoirs and construction projects to protect both humans and property. They have also been asked to help locals to strengthen houses, schools and hospitals and evacuate local citizens out of high risk areas where necessary.

At an urgent meeting held the same day by the National Steering Committee for Storm and Flood Prevention and Control to discuss measures to cope with the typhoon, the Border Guards reported that more than 30,000 vessels with over 145,000 people on board had been directed to stay at anchor in safe areas.

The last storm, Typhoon Haitang, caused heavy rains in central provinces over the past three days with total rainfall of between 150-180mm.

Haitang killed at least four people, injured four others, damaged 128 houses and flooded more than 5,000ha of crops.