Vietnam is bracing for the arrival of Typhoon Kajiki, prompting local officials to order the evacuation of more than 586,000 individuals from various central provinces, including Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, and Da Nang. The typhoon is already demonstrating its might, with wind speeds reaching 166 km/h (103 mph) and is anticipated to intensify before making landfall early Monday.
In response to the looming danger, flights have been canceled and boats urged to remain anchored. Currently, Kajiki is passing close to Hainan, China, where severe weather conditions have led to forecasts of up to 320mm (12.6 inches) of rain. According to BBC Weather, while the storm may weaken as it moves inland, it is expected to still unleash winds of up to 200 km/h and deliver substantial rainfall between 300-400mm in affected regions.
Weather officials have issued warnings for storm surges reaching heights of 2-4 meters (6.6-13 feet), urging residents in the storm's trajectory to avoid outdoor activities after 14:00 GMT on Sunday. Military personnel have been deployed to assist with evacuation and emergency response measures. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment described the situation as "extremely dangerous," cautioning against the risk posed to vehicles and structures, particularly in tourism and fishing sectors.
Vietnam Airlines has canceled at least 22 flights to various central cities over this weekend, heightening concerns following the catastrophic impacts of Typhoon Yagi last September, which caused significant loss of life across the region, including around 300 fatalities in Vietnam alone. Authorities remain vigilant as they monitor Typhoon Kajiki’s path and prepare for its imminent effects on the nation's coastal areas.
