A map projecting Storm Hagupit’s expected path.

Tropical storm Hagupit, which was close to the Philippines’ Luzon Island Monday afternoon, is expected to bringheavy rain over northern Vietnamfrom September 24-27, according to a local weather forecasting center.

The center said the storm was expected to move west and north-west west during the next 24 hours, to hit the sea south of China’s Dongsha Island this afternoon.

Storm Hagupit is then expected to continue its west and north-west west trajectory over the next day or two.

Around 4 p.m. on Thursday, the heart of the tropical storm, with wind speeds of 62 to 88 kilometers per hour, is expected to pass northeastern provinces.

Storm Hagupit will cause medium and heavy rain in northern provinces for four consecutive days starting from tomorrow evening.

The center also warned northern provinces could experience flash floods, landslides and widespread flooding.

The Central Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control and the National Committee for Search and Rescue Monday sent urgent notes to their agents in provinces and cities, asking for storm warnings to be broadcast to vessels in the East Sea.

Farmers need to harvest ripened paddies to avoid rain and flood damage, the committees said.

The two committees also urged authorities in the Mekong Delta region to evacuate residents living near flood-prone rivers and canals. Water levels on Tien, Hau, and Vam Co Dong rivers are rising.

Reported by Quang Duan