Storm Pabuk to weaken near Vietnam's south-central coast

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that as of 7 a.m., the storm's center was located in the waters between Khanh Hoa and Binh Thuan provinces, with maximum sustained winds of 74 kph.

Contrary to forecasts on Tuesday that suggested the storm would approach closer to the mainland, it is now expected to remain offshore, moving parallel to the south-central coast.

It is predicted to weaken into a tropical depression by this afternoon near the waters off Ninh Thuan and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces.

By early Thursday morning, the tropical depression is expected to dissipate further into a low-pressure area over the waters near Binh Thuan and Bac Lieu provinces.

The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts that Pabuk will downgrade into a tropical depression off the coast of Ba Ria-Vung Tau on Wednesday. The Hong Kong Observatory has stated that the storm has already weakened into a tropical depression and will continue to lose strength in the coming hours.

Heavy rainfall has been recorded in central and south-central regions overnight due to the combined effects of the storm's circulation and cold air. Quang Ngai received 41 mm of rain, while Khanh Hoa and Binh Dinh saw over 20 mm.

Rainfall on Wednesday is expected to range from 20-50 mm in areas from Binh Dinh to Ninh Thuan, with certain areas potentially exceeding 100 mm. Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, and Binh Thuan are forecast to receive 10-30 mm, with some areas exceeding 50 mm.

This year, Vietnam’s East Sea has experienced 19 storms. Among them, Prapiroon, Yagi, Soulik, Trami, and Yinxing directly impacted the country's mainland. Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm this year, made landfall in the north, affecting 25 cities and provinces, including Hanoi and major tourism and industrial hubs.

Storms, floods, and landslides have left 513 people dead or missing in Vietnam this year, with economic losses estimated at VND84.9 trillion (US$3.33 billion).