Typhoon Kajiki Approaches Central Vietnam with Strong Winds and Heavy Rain
Typhoon Kajiki, the fifth major storm to impact Vietnam this year, is set to make landfall in the central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An on Monday afternoon. The storm is expected to bring winds reaching up to 166 kilometers per hour (kph), making it one of the most powerful typhoons to hit the region this season.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, at 7 a.m., the eye of the storm was located 145 km east of Ha Tinh Province, with the strongest winds measured between 150–166 kph. This level of intensity is comparable to that of Typhoon Yagi, which struck Vietnam last September and was the most powerful storm to hit the country in 30 years.
Kajiki is currently moving west-northwest at an average speed of 20 kph. Over the past five hours, the storm has slightly shifted northward. Although it remained approximately 200 km offshore from Ha Tinh and 180 km from northern Quang Tri early Monday, its strong wind field, spanning a radius of 200 km, has already begun affecting the north-central provinces.
Impact on Local Communities
In Ha Tinh, heavy rains started intermittently from 2 a.m. and intensified into torrential downpours by 5:30 a.m. Streets were largely empty as strong winds swept through the area. At Thien Cam Beach, about 15 km from central Ha Tinh, severe gusts and heavy rain were reported by 6:30 a.m. Small hotels suspended guest services, and residents in low-rise homes were evacuated to nearby resorts.
Across coastal areas, trees have snapped, some falling onto power lines. Residents have been reinforcing their homes in preparation for the storm. In Vinh Phu and Cua Lo, part of the former Vinh City in Nghe An, moderate rains and strong winds left major streets deserted. Monitoring stations on nearby islands and along the coast have recorded significant wind activity. Even Hanoi, though far from the storm’s center, is experiencing rain.
Evacuation and Safety Measures
Local people and soldiers have joined efforts to reinforce coastal areas in Ha Tinh. Authorities have issued strong warnings, emphasizing that all maritime and coastal activities are extremely dangerous, with a high risk of vessels capsizing and damage to coastal structures.
By 4 a.m. Tuesday, Kajiki is expected to reach central Laos, weakening to winds of 63–74 kph before eventually becoming a tropical depression and then a low-pressure zone. Japan’s meteorological agency notes that the storm’s wind speeds are increasing near the coast. Hong Kong forecasters report wind speeds of about 155 kph, expected to persist upon landfall.
Weather Conditions and Forecast
The trajectory of Storm Kajiki highlights the areas most affected by the storm. The sea areas from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri, including Hon Ngu Island and Con Co District, are experiencing winds up to 166 kph near the storm’s eye. In the Gulf of Tonkin, strong winds affect both northern and southern offshore areas, including Bach Long Vi and Van Don.
Authorities have warned that strong winds are expected to intensify across Thanh Hoa to northern Quang Tri, reaching up to 166 kph in some areas. Southern Thanh Hoa and Ha Tinh may experience the most severe conditions, while moderate winds are forecast from Quang Ninh to Ninh Binh.
Heavy rain is expected across the Red River Delta, including Hanoi, and provinces from Lao Cai to Hue, with rainfall totals of 100–150 mm over the next two days. Some areas, particularly from Thanh Hoa to northern Quang Tri, may see totals exceeding 700 mm, posing a high risk of flash flooding. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang are also forecast to experience thunderstorms.
Preparations and Evacuations
By 4 p.m. Sunday, nearly 60,000 vessels with almost 250,000 workers had been contacted and guided to avoid the storm. Eight provinces and cities, including Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Ngai, have banned all marine operations.
Evacuation plans are underway, with more than 90,000 households, over 325,000 people, expected to be relocated, particularly in Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, and Hue. These measures highlight the urgency of preparing for the impacts of Typhoon Kajiki.
