Hanoi: Eight northern provinces and cities have been urged not to be negligent in responding to tropical storm Maysak, the first of its kind to enter the East Sea this year.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the first storm is expected to enter the Gulf of Tonkin late on July 3 and make landfall between Quang Ninh province and China's Guangxi region on July 4. Coastal areas of Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Hung Yen could experience winds of force 6-8 with gusts of up to level 10, while the Gulf of Tonkin may see winds of levels 8-9 and gusts of level 11. Heavy rainfall is forecast from July 3 night through July 5, with 100-150 mm expected across northeastern Vietnam and 200-300 mm, or more than 500 mm in isolated areas, particularly in Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Bac Ninh. Forecasters also warned of thunderstorms, strong winds, flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding.