Typhoon Kajiki hits Vietnam, tens of thousands evacuated

Monday 25 August 2025 - 17:10

By: Sahili Aya

Typhoon Kajiki hits Vietnam, tens of thousands evacuated

Vinh, Vietnam, August 25, 2025 — Typhoon Kajiki struck central-northern Vietnam on Monday with winds of up to 130 km/h, causing one death, eight injuries, and prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents from coastal areas.

Kajiki, the fifth typhoon to hit the country this year, made landfall around 3:00 PM local time (08:00 GMT), generating waves as high as 9.5 meters in the Gulf of Tonkin. The Vietnam National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported winds ranging from 118 to 133 km/h.

“Heavy rainfall will continue today and tomorrow, raising the risks of floods and flash floods,” said the center’s director, Mai Van Khiem. Authorities have evacuated nearly 44,000 people, with 16,000 military personnel mobilized to assist. Some 325,500 residents from five coastal provinces are still expected to be relocated to schools and public buildings.

The city of Vinh experienced overnight flooding, while streets were largely deserted, and shops and restaurants closed. Sandbags were used to protect entrances. Two domestic airports were closed, and 35 flights were canceled, while fishing boats along the typhoon’s path were recalled to port.

Residents expressed concern over the storm’s intensity. “I have never heard of a typhoon this powerful in our city,” said Le Manh Tung, 66, at an evacuation center. Scientists note that human-induced climate change is increasing the intensity and unpredictability of storms, particularly in tropical regions.

The typhoon is expected to weaken as it moves inland over the Gulf of Tonkin’s continental plateau. Previous storms have caused significant human and economic losses, including 3.3 billion dollars from Typhoon Yagi last September.