Hanoi, Aug. 23 -- Central coastal localities have ordered a ban on vessels going out to sea starting August 24 as Storm Kajiki, the fifth storm to form in the East Sea this year, moves closer to Vietnam's mainland.

The storm, which strengthened from a tropical depression on August 23, is forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rains and rough seas from Thanh Hoa to Hue, posing high risks of flooding, landslides and damage to coastal and offshore activities.

In Quang Tri, provincial authorities ordered all fishing boats and transport vessels to stay ashore from 7am on August 24 until the storm passes. The province has 8,725 registered vessels with nearly 24,200 workers. As of early August 23, 634 boats with 2,860 crew members were still op...