Typhoon Kajiki in Vietnam triggers evacuations
The arrival of Typhoon Kajiki in Vietnam forced thousands of people from their homes and shut down major transport hubs. On Monday, authorities confirmed the evacuation of more than 40,000 residents in low-lying areas as the storm approached the central provinces. Airports closed, schools suspended classes, and fishing vessels were barred from leaving shore.
Kajiki churned over the Gulf of Tonkin after striking China’s Hainan Island, with sustained winds of 166 kilometers per hour, equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane. The storm brought destructive winds, heavy rain, and the threat of flooding to Vietnam’s northeast coast.
Provinces under threat
The storm is expected to hit Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces by late afternoon, weakening slightly before landfall. Thanh Hoa lies 166 kilometers south of Hanoi, making it a crucial warning zone. Authorities activated emergency responses across central provinces, including Quang Tri, Hue, and Danang.
Officials warned of flash floods, mudslides, and landslides, especially in mountainous and coastal areas. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh described Kajiki as “an extremely dangerous fast-moving storm,” urging citizens to stay indoors and prepare for days of disruption.
Preparedness measures in Vietnam
Local governments mobilized 300,000 military personnel to support rescue operations. The Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force remain on standby. Schools in Thanh Hoa closed for two days, while residents secured homes with sandbags and boarded windows.
Flights were canceled across two central airports, while Vietnam Airlines and other carriers delayed or rerouted dozens of journeys. Emergency measures also included securing flood walls, dams, and relocating vulnerable communities.
Lessons from past storms
Authorities compared Kajiki to Typhoon Yagi, which devastated northern Vietnam last year. Yagi killed 300 people and destroyed vast areas of farmland and infrastructure. Although Kajiki is weaker, officials warned that its destructive winds and rain could still damage crops, kill livestock, and displace entire villages.
Farmers and business owners expressed fear that the storm would destroy rice paddies and disrupt supply chains. Early reports suggest farms along the northeastern coast are already waterlogged, with livestock at risk from rising floodwaters.
Regional impact beyond Vietnam
The effects of Typhoon Kajiki in Vietnam extend across the region. China’s Meteorological Center forecast heavy rain across 13 provinces, including parts of Laos and Thailand. Some areas could receive more than 600 millimeters of rainfall, raising the risk of flash flooding.
On China’s Hainan Island, Kajiki shut down the city of Sanya. Tourist attractions closed, businesses suspended operations, and public transport halted. Videos shared online showed trees toppling onto cars, motorcycles crushed under debris, and residents struggling against gale-force winds.
Conclusion
The arrival of Typhoon Kajiki in Vietnam has already disrupted daily life, forcing mass evacuations and closing airports. While it may weaken as it makes landfall, the storm’s destructive winds and torrential rains pose severe risks to communities in central and northern provinces. Officials remain on high alert, stressing the importance of safety and disaster preparedness as the region braces for the storm’s full impact.
