Typhoon Kajiki Threatens Half a Million in Vietnam and China, Sparking Evacuations and Business Closures
Typhoon Kajiki intensifies, prompting evacuations and closures in China and Vietnam as both nations prepare for its landfall. The storm is forecast to pass near the southern coast of Hainan Island, China, before moving towards Vietnam.
As of 0900 GMT, Typhoon Kajiki has strengthened with winds reaching 166 kph (103 mph), according to Vietnam’s national weather agency. The storm is expected to further intensify, potentially reaching wind speeds of up to 180 kph.
In response, Vietnamese authorities have announced plans to evacuate over half a million people from the central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, and Danang, where Typhoon Kajiki is expected to make landfall early on Monday. People in the projected path are advised not to venture outdoors after 1400 GMT on Sunday, and soldiers stand ready to assist with evacuations.
Seven coastal provinces in Vietnam have already banned boats from leaving shore, while Vietnam Airlines has cancelled at least 22 flights to and from central cities on Sunday and Monday. Vietjet Aviation has also announced cancellations or delays but has not provided details.
In China, the city of Sanya – known for its seafront resorts and sandy beaches – has closed tourist attractions, shuttered businesses, and suspended public transport. The local weather agency forecasts heavy rainfall and strong winds in Hainan and nearby Guangdong province and Guangxi region, with areas in Hainan expected to receive as much as 320 mm (12.6 inches) of rain from Sunday to Monday.
Sanya has issued a red typhoon alert – the highest level in China’s color-coded warning system – and raised its emergency response to the most severe level. City officials have urged preparations for “worst-case scenarios.” All classes and construction have been suspended, and shopping centers, restaurants, and supermarkets are closed from Sunday. Vessels have been ordered to stop operating in Sanya’s waters.
Since July, record rainfall has affected both northern and southern China, with meteorologists attributing the extreme weather to climate change. In August alone, natural disasters including flooding and drought caused 52.15 billion yuan ($7.28 billion) in direct economic losses, affecting millions of people and leaving 295 dead or missing.
In Vietnam, Typhoon Kajiki is being compared to Yagi, which struck the country less than a year ago, killing about 300 people and causing $3.3 billion in property damage.