Typhoon Kajiki unleashed severe weather on Vietnam’s north central coast on March 25, 2024, leading to extensive damage as the storm brought heavy rains and strong winds. Despite wind speeds decreasing from a peak of 166 kph to between 118 and 133 kph, the impact was felt strongly across the region, particularly in Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces.
Residents in Cua Lo, a coastal town in Nghe An, experienced terrifying conditions as waves reached heights of two meters. Local resident Dang Xuan Phuong, 48, described the scene: “When I look down from the higher floors, I could see waves as tall as 2 metres, and the water has flooded the roads around us,” he stated in an interview with Reuters.
According to Vietnam’s weather agency, the storm made landfall along the coast, prompting significant disruptions. State media reported power outages affecting several areas in Ha Tinh province, where roofs were damaged and floating fishing farms were swept away by the turbulent waters.
Government Response and Precautions
In anticipation of Typhoon Kajiki, Vietnamese authorities took proactive measures, closing airports, shutting schools, and initiating mass evacuations ahead of what was described as the most powerful storm of the year. The government had previously issued warnings, characterizing Kajiki as “an extremely dangerous fast-moving storm,” highlighting the potential for heavy rains, flooding, and landslides across the region.
The coastal geography of Vietnam, which faces the South China Sea, makes it vulnerable to tropical storms that frequently lead to destructive flooding and landslides. As the storm progressed, local emergency services were mobilized to assist affected communities and evaluate damage.
While the immediate threat from Typhoon Kajiki may be subsiding, the aftermath will likely require extensive recovery efforts. As the nation assesses the full scale of the damage, residents are left to grapple with the impact of yet another severe weather event in a region known for its susceptibility to such natural disasters.
