After sweeping the Philippines, Conson is getting stronger and heading across the East Sea. Hydro-meteorological agencies worry about the complicated changes in this storm.

Eighteen people were killed and 57 others are missing as Tropical Storm Conson ravaged the Philippines.

The storm was around 580km to the east-southeast Hoang Sa Archipelago, with maximum sustained winds at grade 9 (75km/hour) near its center and gusts reaching grade 10 (120km/hour) at 7pm on July 14.

It is forecast that, over the next 24 hours, the storm will move to west-northwestern, at a speed of 20km/hour.

By 7pm on July 15, the storm will be around 190km to the northeast of Hoang Sa Archipelago. Its maximal winds will be 89-117km/hour.

Under the storm’s impact, the northern and middle sectors of the East Sea will experience strong winds and rough seas.

Conson made landfall on the northern Philippine island of Luzon late July 13. Four people died when a warehouse under construction collapsed. Several people were hit by debris and several others drowned. Twelve people were injured and 25 fishermen went missing.

Nearly 500 houses were reported damaged, many still without power. More than 4,000 people were stranded in various ports, along with 26 vessels.

By the afternoon of July 14, Vietnamese agencies informed 42,500 fishing boats of the storm. Some 150 boats have not been contacted yet.

PV