At 07.00am October 20, Saudel was located at approximately 330km east of Luzon island of the Philippines, with winds gusting up to 75kph near its eye.
In the next 24 to 48 hours the storm is travelling west and north-west at a speed of 20kph and is likely to gain strength.
The storm is anticipated to head towards central Vietnam from October 24 to 26, according to the National Centre of Hydro-meteorological and Forecasting.
Storms Noul and Nangka subsequently slammed into central Vietnam two weeks ago, bringing heavy rain to the region. Heavy downpours triggered flashfloods and landslides, leaving at least 102 dead and dozens missing (October 19 update). Casualties are expected to keep rising as floodwaters are yet to recede.
Heavy rain will fall again in the central region, and weather forecasters have warned about possible flashfloods and landslides in coastal, low-lying and mountainous areas.
