Tropical Storm Conson slams Vietnam

Typhoon Conson was downgraded to a tropical storm after brushing against Hainan Island yesterday. Today the storm smashed into the northern coastal region of Vietnam with 83 km/hr (53 MPH) winds and heavy rain. The storm has quickly weakened to a tropical depression and is heading on acourse that will take it directly over the capital of Hanoi.

Tropical storm Conson hits northern Vietnam (BBC News)

Conson hit Vietnam's province of Thanh Hoa on Saturday, brining sustained winds of 83km (53 miles) per hour.

Six fishermen were missing near the Paracels archipelago in the South China Sea after their boat sank while seeking shelter, state-run Vietnam Television said.

Reports in Vietnam media also said a female tourist was swept away by waves in Thanh Hoa.

Some 200,000 people in the area had left their homes before the storm arrived, officials said.

The government in Hanoi also warned that there was a risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas of the country.

Conson is expected to further weaken into a low pressure system as it moves further north-west.