Vietnam is preparing for the imminent arrival of Typhoon Kajiki, with plans to evacuate more than 586,000 people from vulnerable areas. The storm is expected to make landfall on Monday, October 16, 2023, bringing with it wind speeds of up to 180 km/h, according to forecasts from China’s weather agency. As the typhoon intensifies, authorities have implemented measures to ensure the safety of residents in the storm’s projected path.
In central Vietnam, communities in the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, and Danang are on high alert. Residents in these areas have been instructed to remain indoors after 11:00 PM local time on Sunday. The Vietnamese government has mobilized soldiers to assist with the evacuation and provide support as needed.
Transportation Disruptions and Precautionary Measures
To minimize risks, seven coastal provinces in Vietnam have prohibited boats from leaving their ports. This decision was reported by Tien Phong newspaper. Additionally, Vietnam Airlines has cancelled at least 22 flights to and from central cities over the weekend, with Vietjet Aviation also announcing cancellations and delays, though specific details were not provided.
The strength of Typhoon Kajiki is reminiscent of Typhoon Yagi, which struck Vietnam less than a year ago, resulting in approximately 300 fatalities and over $5.1 billion in damages. Such past experiences have prompted Vietnamese authorities to take extensive precautionary measures ahead of Kajiki’s arrival.
Impact on China and Regional Response
As the storm approaches, China is also bracing for significant weather impacts. The national meteorological agency has forecasted heavy rainfall and strong winds in the southern provinces of Hainan, Guangdong, and Guangxi. Some areas in Hainan could see as much as 320 millimetres of rain from Sunday through Monday. In anticipation of the storm, around 20,000 people have already been evacuated from potentially dangerous zones, as reported by China’s official Xinhua News Agency.
As Typhoon Kajiki moves closer, both Vietnam and China continue to monitor its progress closely, ensuring that residents are kept safe in the face of this powerful storm. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and heed all safety advisories as conditions evolve.
