Typhoon Kajiki, a powerful storm that made landfall in Vietnam on Monday, has left a trail of destruction and death in its wake. The storm brought fierce winds and torrential rains that collapsed homes, felled trees, and turned streets in the capital, Hanoi, into rivers.
According to authorities, at least three people have been killed and 10 others wounded in the disaster.
The Vietnamese government reported that Kajiki damaged nearly 7,000 homes, inundated 28,800 hectares of rice plantings, and felled some 18,000 trees.
The storm also brought down 331 electricity poles, causing widespread blackouts in several provinces.
The country’s national weather agency forecast continued downpours through Tuesday, with some areas likely to get up to 150 millimeters of rain in six hours, potentially causing flash floods and landslides.
In Hanoi, local media reported that continued heavy rains have caused widespread flooding, submerging streets, stalling vehicles, and snarling traffic.
According to newsmen, the floodwaters on National Highway 6, which links Hanoi with northwestern provinces, reached nearly 1 meter in some places, stalling cars and motorbikes.
Ahead of the storm’s landfall, Vietnamese authorities evacuated some 44,000 people across five provinces and called all fishing boats back to harbor.
The military has also mobilized more than 346,000 personnel and 8,200 vehicles, including five aircraft, to support storm relief.
The military has instructed its troops to remain on high alert and prepare for rapid deployment in areas vulnerable to landslides and flash floods.
The impact of Typhoon Kajiki is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent and intense due to human-caused climate change.
In Vietnam, more than 100 people have been killed or left missing from natural disasters in the first seven months of 2025, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Economic losses have been estimated at more than $21 million.
Vietnam suffered $3.3 billion in economic losses last September as a result of Typhoon Yagi, which swept across the country’s north and caused hundreds of deaths.
The country is no stranger to the devastating impact of natural disasters, and the government has been working to improve its disaster preparedness and response efforts.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the effects of Typhoon Kajiki will be felt for a long time.
The storm has highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and response efforts, and the need for continued investment in infrastructure and emergency response systems.
The international community has a crucial role to play in supporting countries like Vietnam as they respond to and recover from natural disasters.
Typhoon Kajiki is expected to bring heavy rains, flooding, and potential landslides to Vietnam, prompting the government to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people. The storm’s winds are forecasted to reach 166 kph, posing a significant threat to the region.
The country’s recent experience with Typhoon Yagi has left a lasting impact, with over 230 reported deaths and hundreds injured due to landslides and flash floods.
The aftermath of Yagi also saw widespread damage, including collapsed bridges and flooded homes, displacing thousands of residents.
Experts warn that storms like Typhoon Kajiki are intensifying due to climate change, with warmer ocean waters fueling stronger winds and heavier rainfall. This trend is expected to continue, posing a growing threat to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.