Typhoon Kajiki batters Vietnam, over half a million evacuated

New Delhi, Aug 25: A powerful typhoon has made landfall in eastern Vietnam, lashing coastal areas with strong winds and heavy rain. Typhoon Kajiki brought gusts of up to 133 km/h, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, forcing the evacuation of more than 586,000 residents. Authorities have warned of flash floods and landslides across 400 communes in six provinces, including Phu Tho, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Tri. Heavy rainfall has already been reported in Phu Tho, Quang Ninh and areas stretching from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri.

The storm, moving west at 10–15 km/h, is expected to weaken in intensity in the coming hours, though widespread rainfall will continue. Officials fear the typhoon could match the destructive impact of Typhoon Yagi, which killed around 300 people last year.

In preparation, schools and public beaches have been closed, flights at two central airports suspended, and some passenger train services halted. Road travel has also been suspended in Ha Tinh province. Thousands of soldiers are on standby to assist with evacuations and relief operations. Kajiki is being described as potentially the strongest storm to hit Vietnam this year.