Vietnam orders mass evacuations ahead of powerful Typhoon Kajiki

Vietnam is undertaking a massive evacuation effort as Typhoon Kajiki barrels toward its central coastline. Approximately 500,000 to 600,000 people have been moved from vulnerable areas, with officials deploying more than 16,500 soldiers and 107,000 paramilitary personnel to assist in rescue operations.

Typhoon Kajiki, now the strongest storm of 2025, packs winds of up to 166 kph (103 mph) and intensified rapidly over the South China Sea. It is expected to make landfall on Aug 25 afternoon, likely near central provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and possibly Thanh Hoa–Ha Tinh regions.

Authorities have closed major airports in Thanh Hoa and Quang Binh, shut schools, and canceled dozens of flights by national carriers including Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet. Coastal boats have been ordered to stay ashore.

Vietnam faces a long coastline and is prone to deadly monsoons and typhoons. Kajiki’s path threatens areas less industrialised than those hit by last year’s devastating Typhoon Yagi.

Authorities warn of risks from heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, and storm surges as high as 3.5 meters in coastal regions.

In nearby China, the storm has already impacted Hainan Island, triggering evacuations, business closures, and a red alert. While the emergency status has since been downgraded, rainfall and strong winds remain.

Typhoon Yagi, which hit Vietnam just last year, killed nearly 300 people and caused approximately $3.3 billion in property damage, illustrating the scale of the threat Kajiki now presents.