Typhoon Durian was just 410 km east of Viet Nam's central coastal provinces of Binh Dinh and Khanh Hoa at 16h local time on Dec. 3 and is expected to hit the region early on Dec. 4.

The Hydrometeorological Centre forecast that the devastated typhoon's epicentre will approach the southwestern provinces of Binh Phuoc and Tay Ninh at 16h local time on Dec. 5.

The typhoon is forecast to bring in heavy rains and whirlwinds. Coastal provinces in the southern central region were warned to stay vigilant as rising sea waves were likely to hit 7 metres.

The Prime Minister, on Dec. 3, sent an emergency message to authorities of coastal provinces from the southern central province of Binh Dinh to the southern province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau. He ordered them to spare no material and human resource to ensure the people's safety and protect private and public property.

Residents in places of high risk should be moved to safer locations before the early morning of Dec. 4, emphasised the Government leader.

In response to the PM's message, the Defence Ministry has mobilised all armed forces, including marines in the central coastal region to closely follow the developments of the typhoon and get ready for rescue missions. The air force has sent planes at to sea to recall fishing boats to find shelter, and has already prepared a taskforce fleet for the rescue mission.

Three fishermen drowned offshore the central province of Phu Yen on Nov. 3 en route to shelters from the typhoon.

(Source: VNA)