Typhoon Kajiki Strikes Vietnam, Leaving Destruction and Casualties
Typhoon Kajiki has claimed the lives of at least three individuals in Vietnam and injured ten others, as it battered the country’s north-central provinces on Monday, damaging around 10,000 homes and cutting off electricity to over a million residents, reports 24brussels.
The fatalities occurred in Nghe An, Ninh Binh, and Ha Tinh provinces, where Ha Tinh experienced the highest number of injuries. Authorities had warned that up to half a million people might need evacuation prior to the storm’s landfall.
Making landfall between Nghe An and Ha Tinh with sustained winds of 90 to 117 kilometers per hour, and gusts peaking at 150 kilometers per hour, Kajiki was characterized by officials as “very strong and dangerous.” Following its inland passage, the storm weakened into a tropical depression and had moved into northern Laos by Tuesday, continuing its trajectory toward Thailand.
The storm unleashed torrential rainfall, leading to heavy flooding and at least six landslides. Preliminary assessments indicated that seven homes were completely destroyed, nearly 3,100 were submerged in water, and over 6,800 suffered roof damage. Significant agricultural land—tens of thousands of hectares—was adversely affected. In addition to widespread power outages, many residents faced a loss of access to running water, and schools in impacted areas remained closed.
The Ministry of Transport reported that operations at airports in Ha Tinh and Quang Tri were halted on Monday, resulting in the cancellation of 65 flights. A total of 350,000 officers and soldiers, assisted by 8,200 vehicles, have been mobilized for relief and recovery efforts, according to state media.
Kajiki also impacted China’s southern island province of Hainan on Sunday, affecting more than 100,000 individuals. Emergency crews conducted rescues, cleared debris, and removed fallen trees across numerous regions.
