Hanoi, July 23 -- The Philippines has been bracing for heavy rainfall as two low-pressure areas may develop into tropical depression, the state-run weather bureau PAGASA reported on July 23.

According to the bureau, the low-pressure system was located about 115km northwest of Laoag city, Ilocos Norte province, moving west-southwest at 35 km/h. It is forecast to briefly enter the East Sea later on July 23 before veering northeast toward waters east of Taiwan (China), bringing heavy rain to several northern provinces. The system is expected to have minimal impact on Vietnam.

Meanwhile, a storm called Francisco, located 900km east of northern Luzon as of 10 am, is moving northward with sustained winds of 65 km/h and gusts up to 80 km per h...