Vietnam: Vietnam has ordered the evacuation of more than 586,000 residents as Typhoon Kajiki approaches with increasing force. The typhoon has already carried winds of 166km/h (103mph) and is forecast to strengthen further before making landfall early Monday, according to weather officials.
Authorities have confirmed that people in the central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue and Da Nang have been instructed to leave their homes. Vietnam Airlines has cancelled at least 22 flights to and from central cities, while vessels have been directed to remain in port.
The storm is currently passing near Hainan, China, where forecasters have predicted up to 320mm (12.6in) of rainfall. As Kajiki moves inland into Vietnam, it is expected to weaken but still deliver dangerous conditions, with winds reaching up to 200km/h and rainfall between 300-400mm. Storm surges of 2-4 metres (6.6-13ft) are also anticipated along coastal areas.
Officials have urged people not to go outdoors on August 24 as soldiers have been deployed to assist with preparations. The ministry of agriculture and environment has said that the situation is extremely dangerous, warning that fishing vessels, aquaculture facilities and tourism structures are at serious risk.
Flights and travel disruption are expected to continue as the storm progresses. Authorities fear that Typhoon Kajiki could cause damage on a scale similar to Typhoon Yagi in September last year, which killed hundreds across the region, including 300 in Vietnam.
Vietnam remains on high alert as preparations continue to limit the impact of the storm. Evacuation efforts are underway with local authorities coordinating emergency responses in at-risk areas.
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