Aftermath of Typhoon Kajiki: Damage Reports and Safety Updates

Typhoon Kajiki has caused significant devastation in central and northern Vietnam, prompting the government to take urgent action to support affected communities. Ongoing weather conditions continue to require close monitoring from all stakeholders.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister (PM) Pham Minh Chinh has signed Directive No. 148 calling for urgent measures to address the aftermath of Storm Kajiki (Storm No. 5) and subsequent flooding.

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Typhoon Kajiki made landfall in Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces, bringing sustained winds of Level 6 to 8 (about 39-49 kph), with gusts reaching Level 9. Near the storm center, winds reached Level 10, accompanied by gusts of Level 13 to 15. Widespread heavy rainfall was recorded across the North Central region as well as the Red River Delta and northern midlands.

This article presents the preliminary assessment of Typhoon Kajiki’s impacts, as well as forecasts of weather developments following the storm.

Initial impact assessment

As of 3:00 p.m. on August 26, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment compiled preliminary data from local reports, which showed:

• Human impact: Seven fatalities, one person missing, and 34 injuries;
• Housing and Infrastructure: 15 houses collapsed, and 8,719 houses, 63 schools, and eight healthcare facilities suffered roof or structural damage. Additionally, 3,614 houses were flooded;
• Agricultural losses: Over 81,500 hectares of rice, 4,500 hectares of other crops, and 1,690 hectares of aquaculture areas were flooded. Nearly 2,000 livestock and poultry were killed; and
• Forestry and utilities: Around 21,000 trees were knocked down. Many transport routes, irrigation works, and power and telecommunications systems were damaged, resulting in power outages affecting nearly 1.6 million customers and communication disruptions in several provinces.

Also read: Typhoon Kajiki to Make Landfall in Central Vietnam

Why is Typhoon Kajiki worrisome?

Typhoon Kajiki has been characterized as unusual due to several distinct meteorological features. The storm formed directly over the East Sea (South China Sea) and made landfall within just three days. Normally, tropical cyclones take about a week to develop and dissipate. Kajiki’s rapid intensification and landfall during its peak strength significantly increased its destructive potential.

Its trajectory diverged from major international forecasts. While leading global meteorological models consistently projected a fast, straightforward path inland, Kajiki stalled for nearly three hours along the coastline before moving very slowly into land. Its prolonged presence over Ha Tinh and Nghe An, approximately eight hours, made it particularly damaging.

Another unusual feature was the storm’s extensive cloud cover, which resulted in a much broader impact zone. Although landfall occurred in Ha Tinh, heavy rainfall extended as far north as Hanoi. This wide-reaching rainfall, combined with the storm’s slow movement over land, contributed to substantial precipitation levels and heightened flooding risks.

Kajiki’s characteristics underline the growing complexity of storm behavior in the region, challenging forecasting models and intensifying risks for both local authorities and businesses operating in central and northern Vietnam.

Also read: Typhoon Season in Vietnam: How to Prepare Your Business

Government response

The PM has instructed provincial authorities to mobilize resources and forces to access isolated areas and accelerate recovery measures. Local governments are directed to continue search and rescue operations, provide medical treatment for the injured, and support households that have lost family members.

Immediate actions include repairing storm-damaged housing, arranging temporary shelter, and providing food, clean water, and essential supplies to displaced households. Educational and healthcare facilities must be restored before August 30, while damaged transport routes should be cleared promptly to ensure safe movement and facilitate relief operations.

Financial and administrative measures

Provinces are required to conduct accurate damage assessments, utilize contingency budgets, and mobilize local resources to deliver timely assistance, prioritizing vulnerable households, including poor, policy-beneficiary families and disadvantaged groups. The PM emphasized strict prevention of mismanagement, waste, or corruption during the recovery process.

Forecast for the next 24 hours

Flooding risk follows a prolonged period of heavy rains.

Heavy rainfall is likely to cause flooding in low-lying areas, urban centers, and industrial zones in Vietnam’s northern and central regions. Flash floods are also predicted in small rivers and streams, while landslides may occur on steep slopes.

Real-time updates on areas at risk of flash floods and landslides are available on the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting’s dedicated portal and in official advisories.

Tropical depression forms after storm Kajiki dissipates

After Storm Kajiki weakened, a new tropical depression has developed over the East Sea, raising fresh concerns for shipping and coastal regions.

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In the next 24 hours, strong winds are expected across central and southern waters, from Lam Dong to Ho Chi Minh City, as well as in the central and southern East Sea. Winds may reach Level 6 with gusts of Level 7 to 8, generating waves of 2 to 3.5 meters and causing rough seas.

Rain and thunderstorms will also affect large parts of the maritime zone on August 27. The Gulf of Tonkin, from Quang Tri to Ca Mau and from Ca Mau to An Giang, as well as the Gulf of Thailand and much of the East Sea, are forecast to experience scattered showers and storms. These conditions will bring a heightened risk of waterspouts, sudden squalls with gusts of Level 6 to 7, and wave heights exceeding 2 meters.

Risk assessment

The disaster risk level associated with this system has been raised to Level 2 (6-11 kph) across most affected waters, and Level 3 in the northeastern East Sea, where conditions are most severe. All vessels operating in the region are considered high-risk due to the combination of strong winds, high seas, and the potential for waterspouts.

Takeaways for businesses

Businesses in affected areas should prepare for ongoing disruptions due to the aftermath of Typhoon Kajiki and the potential for new weather conditions, including flooding and rough seas. It is crucial to assess operational impacts, ensure employee safety, and stay informed about updates from local authorities to navigate challenges effectively and resume normal operations as soon as possible.

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