Vietnam has issued evacuation orders for over 586,000 residents ahead of Typhoon Kajiki, which is forecasted to strike early on Monday. Currently, the storm has maximum winds reaching 166 km/h (103 mph) and is set to gain strength as it nears the Vietnamese coastline. Authorities have instructed residents from central provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, and Da Nang to vacate their homes, while flights are being canceled and maritime activities halted.
As the typhoon skirts past Hainan, China, it's leaving a trail of heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to 320mm (12.6in) in the region. According to BBC Weather, while Kajiki is expected to weaken after making landfall, it may still unleash winds of up to 200 km/h and bring substantial rainfall amounts ranging from 300-400mm. Furthermore, storm surges of 2-4 meters (6.6-13 feet) are anticipated, prompting officials to advise residents in affected areas to remain indoors after 14:00 GMT on Sunday.
The Vietnamese government has mobilized soldiers to assist in evacuation efforts and has warned that conditions are perilous for transportation and structures, particularly affecting tourism, fishing, and aquaculture industries. Airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, have proactively canceled at least 22 flights to and from central cities in anticipation of the storm’s severe impact. Officials remain apprehensive, recalling the devastating effects of Typhoon Yagi last September, which caused significant destruction and resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives in the region.
