With Typhoon Kajiki on course to strike, Vietnamese authorities have evacuated more than 586,000 people from vulnerable areas, anticipating severe weather conditions ahead.
Typhoon Kajiki Forces Evacuation of Over Half a Million Residents in Vietnam
Typhoon Kajiki Forces Evacuation of Over Half a Million Residents in Vietnam
Major weather event leads to mass evacuations and flight cancellations as storm approaches.
Vietnamese authorities have taken urgent measures as Typhoon Kajiki approaches, ordering the evacuation of over 586,000 residents from coastal and central provinces, including Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, and Da Nang. The storm, which is currently unleashing heavy rains in Hainan, China, features wind speeds reaching 166 km/h (103 mph) and is expected to intensify before hitting Vietnam by early Monday, according to meteorologists.
In preparation for the incoming storm, flights have been canceled, with Vietnam Airlines scrubbing at least 22 services to and from central cities scheduled for Sunday and Monday. Authorities have advised those in the storm's path to refrain from outdoor activities after 14:00 GMT on Sunday, emphasizing the dangerous conditions ahead.
While forecasts predict that Kajiki will lose strength as it moves inland, it is still expected to deliver winds of up to 200 km/h and rainfall amounts between 300-400 mm. Additionally, storm surges of 2-4 meters (6.6-13 feet) may threaten coastal areas. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has deemed the situation critical, warning that vehicles and structures, including fishing vessels and aquaculture facilities, are at serious risk.
Authorities are drawing parallels to Typhoon Yagi, which struck in September of the previous year, resulting in hundreds of fatalities, 300 of which occurred in Vietnam. As Kajiki approaches, the potential for devastation looms large, prompting a swift response from emergency services and local government.
