Hanoi (TDI): Vietnam is on high alert as Typhoon Kajiki, a powerful tropical cyclone, heads toward the country’s central coast. The typhoon is expected to make landfall late Tuesday night or early Wednesday, bringing with it torrential rains, strong winds, and possible widespread flooding and landslides.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), Typhoon Kajiki was located approximately 350 kilometers east of Da Nang as of today, with winds of up to 130 kilometers per hour near its center. The storm is moving west-northwest at a speed of 15 to 20 kilometers per hour.
Provincial authorities in Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, and Thua Thien-Hue have begun preparations for the storm’s impact, issuing evacuation orders for thousands of residents in low-lying and coastal areas.
Local schools have suspended classes, and fishing vessels have been instructed to return to port. Emergency response teams and military units have also been deployed to assist with disaster preparedness and response.
“The typhoon is forecast to bring heavy rainfall of 200–300 millimeters in many areas, posing a serious risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions,” warned Deputy Director of the NCHMF, Nguyen Van Huong, adding “People must stay updated and follow all safety instructions from local authorities.”
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The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has called on dam operators to closely monitor water levels in reservoirs, as heavy rainfall could strain infrastructure and increase the risk of downstream flooding. In past years, such conditions have led to significant damage to homes, crops, and roads.
Kajiki, named after a type of large fish, is the third typhoon to hit Vietnam this year and comes amid a particularly active typhoon season in the western Pacific. Experts say climate change may be contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms in the region.
Airlines have announced flight delays and cancellations to and from central Vietnam, while rail services have been adjusted to minimize risk. The country’s Prime Minister has directed all ministries and local governments to be on high alert and to prioritize citizen safety.
Vietnam experiences numerous typhoons each year, but authorities hope that early warnings and coordinated efforts will help minimize the damage caused by Kajiki.
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