Vietnam, China Brace for Typhoon Kajiki Impact

Why in the News?

Typhoon Kajiki, with sustained winds of 167 km/h, is set to make landfall in Vietnam after brushing past southern China’s Hainan province and parts of Guangdong province. As the storm approaches the Gulf of Tonkin in the South China Sea, Vietnam has prepared to evacuate over 586,000 people, while flights, power supply, and transport services face disruption.

Immediate Preparations and Impact:

Vietnam:

• Evacuation of 586,000 people from Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, and Nghe An province.
• Boats banned from leaving shore in coastal provinces.
• Flights disrupted – Vietnam Airlines cancelled 22 flights, while Vietjet also announced delays/cancellations.
• Rescue teams, 346,200 officers and soldiers, 8,200 vehicles, and paramilitary personnel placed on standby.

China:

• Southern city Sanya in Hainan province shut businesses, restaurants closed, and public transport suspended.
• In Hainan province, 20,728 people evacuated; 2,800 rescue personnel mobilized.
• Guangdong province and the Guangxi region also on high alert as the typhoon approaches.

Storm Characteristics and Risks:

Kajiki’s strength:

• Maximum sustained winds of 90 knots (167 km/h), making it potentially the most powerful storm to hit the region this year.
• Classified by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center as brushing China’s coast before moving towards Vietnam.
• The National Meteorological Center of China has issued a red typhoon alert, the highest level of warning.

Forecasted risks:

• Heavy rainfall expected in Vietnam’s Ha Tinh and Nghe An provinces (Mon–Tue).
• Destructive winds threatening power facilities, transport, and industries.
• Possible large-scale economic disruption, recalling $3.3 billion losses from a 2024 typhoon.
• Weather forecast agencies predict the storm may weaken to tropical depression strength after making landfall, but still pose significant risks.