Vietnam has issued evacuation orders for more than 586,000 residents as Typhoon Kajiki approaches its shores. Packing fierce winds of 166 km/h (103 mph), the storm is anticipated to strengthen before making landfall early Monday.
Authorities from central provinces including Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, and Da Nang have urged citizens to leave their homes immediately. As a precaution, flights have been scrapped and boats ordered to remain docked.
Kajiki has been wreaking havoc on Hainan, China, already bringing heavy rain with up to 320mm (12.6in) forecasted. While forecasters suggest that the typhoon may diminish in intensity as it moves inland, it’s still expected to bring winds up to 200 km/h and heavy rainfall ranging from 300 to 400mm. Furthermore, potential storm surges between 2-4m (6.6-13ft) are concerning for coastal areas.
Officials have urged residents in the storm's path to stay indoors after 14:00 GMT on Sunday. To aid in evacuations, soldiers have been deployed. The situation is declared “extremely dangerous” for vehicles and structures, particularly fishing vessels.
Due to the impending storm, Vietnam Airlines has already canceled at least 22 flights scheduled for Sunday and Monday. Local officials are wary, recalling the devastation of Typhoon Yagi last September, which resulted in hundreds of fatalities in the region, with 300 lives lost in Vietnam alone.
