Preemptive Evacuations Underway as Storm Gathers Strength
Vietnam has initiated a massive evacuation effort, ordering more than 500,000 residents to leave their homes as Typhoon Kajiki approaches the central coastline. The storm, packing winds of up to 166 km/h (103 mph), is expected to intensify before making landfall between Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces.
Government Mobilizes Forces and Suspends Key Services
The government has mobilized over 16,500 soldiers and 107,000 paramilitary personnel to aid in evacuations and emergency response. In a bid to minimize risks, authorities have:
- Closed airports in Thanh Hoa and Quang Binh
- Shut schools
- Cancelled dozens of domestic flights
- Grounded boats along the coast
These measures aim to prevent widespread casualties and damage from anticipated flooding and landslides.
Remembering Yagi—A Startling Precedent
Kajiki is being compared to Typhoon Yagi of 2024, one of Vietnam’s most destructive storms in decades. Yagi caused over 300 deaths and US$3.3 billion in damages. This comparison underscores just how serious the risk could become.
The Road Ahead: Intense Weather on the Horizon
Meteorological forecasts warn of heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides—especially in less-developed provinces. With children evacuated from dangerous zones and communities bracing for impact, the focus now shifts to relief readiness and post-storm recovery. The storm is also expected to cross into Laos and northern Thailand before dissipating.
Bottom Line:
As Typhoon Kajiki barrels toward Vietnam, the government’s swift action—grounding flights, evacuating half a million people, and shutting ports and schools—reflects a serious effort to avoid the worst outcomes seen during Typhoon Yagi. The coming hours will be critical as communities brace for nature’s fury.
