Date: August 25, 2025
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam has ordered the evacuation of more than half a million residents from coastal and low-lying areas as Typhoon Kajiki bears down on the country’s central provinces. The storm, packing winds of up to 166 kilometers per hour (103 mph), is expected to make landfall between Thanh Hóa and Nghệ An on Monday afternoon.
Emergency Response on a Massive Scale
Authorities have mobilized over 16,000 soldiers and nearly 107,000 paramilitary forces to support evacuation efforts, enforce maritime restrictions, and prepare for rescue operations. Fishing boats have been ordered to stay in port across seven provinces, while schools and government offices in storm-prone regions have been closed.
Flights at several regional airports, including those in Thanh Hóa and Quảng Bình, have been cancelled, stranding thousands of passengers. Public transport routes have also been suspended in some areas, as officials brace for flooding and landslides.
Torrential Rain and Flood Threats
Meteorologists have warned that some central regions may receive up to 300 millimeters (nearly 12 inches) of rain, triggering the risk of flash floods and dangerous landslides. Storm surges of more than three meters are forecast for coastal zones, potentially inundating farmland and residential communities.
Impact Beyond Vietnam
Before turning toward Vietnam, Typhoon Kajiki lashed China’s Hainan Island, where schools, businesses, and tourist attractions in the city of Sanya were forced to close. Authorities issued their highest-level storm alert as heavy rain and flooding disrupted daily life, though conditions began to ease as the storm shifted westward.
Lessons from Past Disasters
Kajiki’s arrival has revived painful memories of Typhoon Yagi, which struck the region less than a year ago, leaving hundreds dead and causing widespread destruction. This time, Vietnamese authorities say they are better prepared, stressing that proactive evacuations and strict safety measures are critical to minimizing casualties.
Looking Ahead
As Kajiki makes landfall, officials are warning of severe conditions across central and northern Vietnam, with the storm expected to weaken gradually as it tracks inland toward Laos and northern Thailand in the coming days. Emergency crews remain on high alert, with rescue operations ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice.
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