As Typhoon Kajiki barrels toward Vietnam’s central coast with gusts reaching up to 166 kph (103 mph), the country is on high alert, shutting down airports, closing schools, and evacuating tens of thousands of residents. Described by authorities as an “extremely dangerous fast-moving storm” Kajiki is set to make landfall on Monday afternoon, bringing with it the threat of heavy rains, flooding, and landslides.
A Nation on Edge
With its long coastline along the South China Sea, Vietnam is no stranger to powerful storms, many of which have proven deadly in the past. The government reported that as of early Monday, more than 300,000 people had already been evacuated from vulnerable areas. Plans are in place to relocate more than half a million individuals to safety, while authorities have ordered all boats to remain in port to avoid the storm’s wrath.
The Vietnamese weather agency noted that Kajiki was approximately 110 km (68 miles) off the northern part of the central coast as of 0300 GMT on Monday. Its projected path will see it strike provinces less industrialized than those hit by last year’s devastating Typhoon Yagi, which claimed nearly 300 lives and inflicted property damage estimated at $3.3 billion. After making landfall, Kajiki is expected to move inland, potentially affecting Laos and north eastern Thailand (Isaan region) with severe weather conditions. 
In response to the looming threat, the government has mobilized over 16,500 soldiers and 107,000 paramilitary personnel for evacuation efforts and to stand ready for search and rescue operations. Two major airports in Thanh Hoa and Quang Binh provinces have been closed, with Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet canceling dozens of flights to and from the affected regions on Sunday and Monday.
Regional Impact and Preparedness
Before reaching Vietnam, Kajiki skirted the southern coast of China’s Hainan Island on Sunday, prompting local authorities in Sanya City—a popular holiday destination—to shut down businesses and public transport. Reports from local media indicated that many residents sought shelter in underground garages as the storm passed, with fallen trees and broken branches littering roads by Monday morning. While Hainan’s provincial meteorological authority downgraded its typhoon and emergency alerts on Monday, it cautioned that heavy rain and isolated storms could still affect southern parts of the island, with conditions expected to improve by Monday night.
Back in Vietnam, the scale of preparations underscores the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, a recurring challenge for a nation where storms frequently trigger catastrophic flooding and mudslides. The government’s urgent warnings and proactive measures reflect lessons learned from past tragedies like Typhoon Yagi, with a clear focus on minimizing loss of life and property.
A Human and Environmental Toll
While Kajiki’s impact on Vietnam’s more rural central provinces may differ from the industrial havoc wreaked by previous storms, the risks remain significant. Heavy rainfall and potential landslides threaten communities already grappling with the challenges of limited infrastructure and resources. The government’s statement on Sunday night emphasized the storm’s rapid movement and destructive potential, urging residents to comply with evacuation orders and safety protocols.
The projected inland trajectory of Kajiki also raises concerns for neighboring Laos and northern Thailand, where mountainous terrain could exacerbate flooding and landslide risks. Regional cooperation and monitoring will be critical as the storm progresses, with authorities across borders preparing for possible spillover effects.
Looking Ahead
As Vietnam braces for Typhoon Kajiki’s landfall, the nation holds its breath, hoping that extensive preparations will mitigate the storm’s impact. The coming days will reveal the true extent of the damage and the effectiveness of the response measures. With climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of such weather events in the region, questions linger about long-term strategies to protect vulnerable populations and infrastructure along Vietnam’s coastline and beyond.
For now, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and ensuring that those in Kajiki’s path find safety. As the storm approaches, the resilience of Vietnam’s communities and the resolve of its emergency services will be put to the test once more.
