Typhoon Kajiki Weakens, But Continued Rain and Flooding Pose Ongoing Threats
Typhoon Kajiki has weakened into a tropical depression over Laos, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 61 kph. Despite this reduction in intensity, the storm continues to bring heavy rainfall and flooding across northern and central Vietnam. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that at 4 a.m., the tropical depression was centered over central Laos, with winds moving west-northwest at a speed of 15–20 kph. It is expected to weaken further as it progresses.
The storm initially struck Vietnam’s central coast, particularly affecting Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces. It remained active for over ten hours on Monday, with its strongest winds reaching 118–133 kph before gradually decreasing to 62–74 kph by the time it crossed into Laos.
Widespread Damage in Affected Provinces
In Ha Tinh, although wind speeds decreased overnight, heavy rains continued into Tuesday morning. Fallen trees and tilted power poles were scattered throughout the streets, while tin roofs and signboards were blown off. Most households and government offices experienced power and water outages, and telecommunications remained unstable.
In Nghe An, skies remained overcast with frequent but light showers. While many roads were blocked by fallen trees, the damage was less severe compared to Ha Tinh.
In Thanh Hoa, winds of 50–61 kph accompanied steady rain. Residents largely stayed indoors due to downed trees blocking roads. Several low-lying districts, including Cam Thuy, Tho Xuan, Thach Thanh, and Yen Dinh, reported flooding, with water levels reaching up to two meters in some areas.
Northern Regions Hit by Floods
Hanoi, though not directly under the storm’s center, still felt the effects of Kajiki. Torrential rain flooded streets, disrupted traffic, and caused water to pour into homes along the roadside. Between 7 p.m. Sunday and 3 a.m. Monday, Hanoi recorded 160 mm of rainfall, while Phu Tho saw 157 mm, Ha Tinh received 211 mm, and Nghe An recorded 190 mm.
Overall, rainfall from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri and across the Red River Delta exceeded 600 mm in some areas. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep noted that Kajiki was unusually intense, forming directly over the sea and making landfall within three days—half the typical duration. The storm also stalled for nearly two hours before landfall, leading many to believe it had weakened.
Ongoing Risks from Rain and Flooding
Although Kajiki has weakened, forecasters continue to warn of dangerous conditions. The Gulf of Tonkin, including islands such as Bach Long Vi, Cat Hai, Co To, Van Don, and Hon Ngu, is experiencing strong winds of 39–61 kph, with sea waves reaching 2–5 meters. Coastal provinces from Thanh Hoa to Nghe An and Ninh Binh are also reporting strong winds.
From today through Tuesday, northern Vietnam—including Lao Cai, Son La, Thanh Hoa, and Ha Tinh—is expected to receive 50–100 mm of rainfall, with some areas exceeding 200 mm. Localized downpours could bring more than 100 mm within just three hours, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang are also expected to see rain throughout the day. In Laos, rainfall is anticipated to reach 100–250 mm, with central areas recording over 500 mm. Since many rivers in Vietnam’s north-central region originate in Laos, flooding there could worsen conditions in Vietnam.
Kajiki: Fifth Storm to Impact Vietnam This Year
Kajiki is the fifth storm to hit Vietnam this year, following Typhoon Wipha in July, which resulted in two deaths and five injuries in the north. As the country continues to deal with the aftermath of Kajiki, authorities remain on high alert for potential secondary impacts from the lingering rainfall and flooding.
