Storm Impact on Coastal Communities
Typhoon Kajiki battered Vietnam’s north central coast with torrential rains and flooding, even as its wind speeds weakened after landfall. The storm struck Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces, toppling trees, cutting power in several areas, and damaging fishing farms. Local reports described waves up to two meters high crashing onto the shore and roads submerged under water.
Mass Evacuations and Safety Measures
Authorities evacuated about 30,000 residents from vulnerable coastal zones before the storm’s arrival. More than 16,500 soldiers and over 100,000 paramilitary personnel were mobilized for rescue operations and emergency response. Airports in Thanh Hoa and Quang Binh were shut down, forcing Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet to cancel dozens of flights. Schools also closed as part of precautionary measures.
Severe Rainfall and Ongoing Risks
Vietnam’s weather agency warned that rainfall could reach up to 500 millimeters in northern regions from Monday through Tuesday, raising risks of flooding and landslides. Kajiki had earlier passed near China’s Hainan Island, where businesses and transport in Sanya City were temporarily suspended. Although emergency alerts were downgraded in Hainan, authorities continued to warn of heavy rainfall and isolated storms.
A Country Vulnerable to Typhoons
Vietnam’s long coastline leaves it highly exposed to tropical storms, which frequently bring deadly floods and landslides. Kajiki is the most powerful storm to hit the country this year, underscoring the ongoing challenges coastal communities face in disaster preparedness and climate resilience.