HANOI Braces for Typhoon Kajiki
As Vietnam prepares for the wrath of Typhoon Kajiki, schools, airports, and thousands of residents have been evacuated in anticipation of the storm’s destructive winds and storm surges. The typhoon, with sustained wind speeds equivalent to a Category 2 Atlantic hurricane, has already caused damage in China’s Hainan island and is now moving towards Vietnam’s northeast.
Evacuations and Precautions
More than 40,000 people have been evacuated from coastal communities in Vietnam as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh warned of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides. Residents have been advised to stay indoors during certain hours to ensure their safety.
Comparisons to Previous Storms
Kajiki is the fifth typhoon to hit Vietnam this year and is being compared to Typhoon Yagi, which devastated the region last year. While Kajiki is slightly weaker, it still poses a significant threat to infrastructure and livelihoods in the affected areas.
Emergency Measures and Response
Authorities in central provinces have activated emergency measures, including evacuations, airport closures, and flight cancellations. The military is on standby for rescue operations, and concerns about storm surges and flooding remain high.
Impact on Surrounding Regions
As Kajiki moves inland, it is expected to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to countries like Laos, Thailand, and parts of China. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts that Kajiki will weaken over land but still pose risks of flash flooding and mudslides.
Aftermath in China
China’s Hainan island and parts of Guangdong province have already felt the effects of Typhoon Kajiki, with authorities taking emergency measures and issuing alerts. While the storm has passed through these areas, heavy rains and storms are expected to continue.
