Vietnam is bracing for a major natural disaster as Typhoon Kajiki approaches the coast, prompting authorities to evacuate over 586,000 residents from vulnerable regions. The storm is currently packing sustained winds of 166km/h (103mph) and is projected to intensify before it makes landfall on Monday morning.
Central provinces including Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, and Da Nang have been prioritized for evacuation. Local officials have also cancelled flights and instructed fishing vessels to remain ashore ahead of the strong winds and heavy rainfall that could arrive as early as Sunday afternoon.
Hainan, China, is already feeling the effects of Typhoon Kajiki, expecting as much as 320mm (12.6 inches) of rain. The storm is predicted to weaken as it moves inland, but forecasters warn it could still unleash wind gusts of up to 200km/h and deliver substantial rainfall of 300-400mm once it enters Vietnam.
Authorities have issued stark warnings to the public. Residents in the storm's projected path are advised to avoid outdoor activities after 14:00 GMT on Sunday due to the potential for life-threatening conditions including storm surges of 2-4 meters (approximately 6.6 to 13 feet).
In a proactive measure, soldiers are being deployed to assist with evacuations and ensure public safety. The ministry of agriculture and environment has cautioned that both vehicles and structures—including tourism and fishing vessels—are at risk of serious damage or destruction.
Vietnam Airlines has already cancelled at least 22 flights to and from central regions, reflecting the severity of the threat posed by Kajiki. Officials are particularly wary of a repeat of the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi last September, a disaster that claimed hundreds of lives, including 300 in Vietnam alone.
