As Vietnam prepares for the impending impact of Typhoon Kajiki, significant measures are underway to ensure the safety of its coastal populations. Thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate from areas along the South China Sea, with schools and airports temporarily closing as a precautionary step. The Vietnamese government has reported that approximately 30,000 individuals have already been evacuated, and projections indicate that over half a million people may need to leave their homes in the face of this formidable natural disaster.
In an announcement made on Sunday night, authorities described Kajiki as an “extremely dangerous fast-moving storm,” predicting it will bring heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and landslides. To assist in the response efforts, more than 16,500 soldiers and 107,000 paramilitary personnel have been mobilized. This extensive preparation underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens during this crisis, as those personnel will not only assist in evacuation but also be on standby for search and rescue operations.
As Typhoon Kajiki approaches, it is expected to make landfall on Monday afternoon, with winds reaching up to 166 km/h (103 mph). The Joint Typhoon Warning Center noted that conditions might result in a gradual weakening of the storm as it nears the Gulf of Tonkin, an area characterized by lower ocean heat content.
In response to the storm, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has shuttered airports in Thanh Hoa and Quang Binh provinces, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air over the weekend. Coastal provinces have also mandated that all ships remain in ports, urging those already at sea to return to safety.
Vietnam is no stranger to such storms, which have historically resulted in significant challenges, including deadly flooding and mudslides. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, over 100 individuals were reported dead or missing due to natural disasters. In light of this, last year’s devastating Typhoon Yagi, which claimed approximately 300 lives and incurred around .3 billion in damages, is a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by these natural events.
The coastal city of Vinh has recently experienced heavy rainfall, rendering its streets largely deserted as residents take precautionary measures to protect their properties. For many, including 66-year-old resident Le Manh Tung, the situation is intimidating but is met with a sense of acceptance toward nature’s formidable power.
As the storm is expected to move inland towards Laos and northern Thailand following its landfall in Vietnam, neighboring regions are also bracing for additional rainfall and potential storms, contributing to a regional response focused on safety and preparedness.
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