Authorities in Vietnam are undertaking extensive measures to prepare for Typhoon Kajiki, which is projected to make landfall today, posing significant threats to the coastal regions facing the South China Sea. In a coordinated response, the Vietnamese government has ordered the evacuation of approximately 30,000 individuals from various coastal areas, with projections indicating that over half a million people may ultimately need to be relocated. In light of the imminent storm, schools have temporarily closed, and airport operations have been significantly curtailed.
The storm, characterized by powerful winds reaching up to 166 kilometers per hour (approximately 103 mph), has prompted the mobilization of substantial resources. Over 16,500 soldiers and 107,000 paramilitary personnel have been deployed to facilitate evacuations and ensure readiness for search and rescue operations. The urgency of the situation is underscored by government statements cautioning residents about the severe risks posed by Kajiki, which could lead to heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides in affected areas.
Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed the closure of two major airports in Thanh Hoa and Quang Binh provinces, with national airline services such as Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air canceling numerous flights to and from these regions. Coastal provinces have also instituted a ban on maritime activities, instructing vessels docked at port to remain there in response to the volatile sea conditions.
Historically, Vietnam has faced significant challenges from typhoons, which often cause catastrophic flooding and landslides. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, over 100 individuals were reported killed or missing as a result of natural disasters. Last year’s Typhoon Yagi was particularly devastating, claiming around 300 lives and inflicting approximately .3 billion in damages.
Residents in the waterfront city of Vinh are exemplifying resilience in the face of adversity. Local shops and restaurants have temporarily shuttered, with many business owners taking proactive measures to protect their property against potential flooding. Local resident Le Manh Tung expressed a sense of apprehension regarding the strength of the approaching storm, emphasizing the community’s acceptance of nature’s unpredictability and their need to adapt.
As Typhoon Kajiki continues its path, meteorologists suggest a potential weakening as it approaches the continental shelf of the Gulf of Tonkin. Following its anticipated landfall in Vietnam, the storm is expected to progress inland, impacting areas such as Laos and northern Thailand, while also having affected the southern coast of China’s Hainan Island, where evacuations were previously enacted.
The proactive measures taken by the Vietnamese government and local communities highlight the strengths of a nation prepared to face the challenges posed by nature, showcasing solidarity and resilience amid pressing circumstances.
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