CaliToday (24/8/2025): Authorities in northern and central Vietnam are on high alert as Typhoon No. 5, internationally named Kajiki, continues to strengthen and track rapidly towards the coast. According to the latest urgent bulletin from Vietnam's National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the storm is poised to unleash a period of widespread, torrential rainfall, with some areas facing potentially catastrophic totals.
The forecast indicates that the storm will make its most significant impact on the expansive Northern Delta region and a long stretch of the Central Coast, encompassing provinces from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue. Meteorologists have issued a severe weather warning, predicting that rainfall in these regions could reach exceptional levels, with isolated locations potentially receiving a staggering 700mm (approximately 27.5 inches). This volume of rain raises grave concerns about the high risk of severe flash floods, landslides in mountainous areas, and widespread inundation in low-lying urban and agricultural lands.
In response to the escalating threat, coastal provinces are scrambling to implement emergency protocols. The governments of high-risk cities and provinces, including Da Nang and Quang Tri, have convened emergency meetings to coordinate their response efforts. A top priority is the safety of maritime operations. An urgent directive has been issued, calling for all fishing vessels and marine craft to immediately cease operations at sea and return to designated safe harbors. Authorities are rolling out comprehensive response plans designed to safeguard lives and mitigate potential damage to infrastructure and property.
On the ground, the Vietnam Border Guard has been mobilized in a critical effort to assist fishermen. Forces have been actively firing signal flares as a visual alert to vessels still at sea, a crucial measure to guide thousands of fishing boats back to shore safely before the storm's arrival. Personnel have also been deployed to ports and anchorages to help secure vessels and assist fishing communities in their preparations.
As Typhoon Kajiki barrels closer, authorities are maintaining a state of high alert, and further evacuations may be ordered if the situation worsens. Residents in the storm's projected path are being urged to closely monitor official weather updates, secure their homes, and strictly adhere to all safety instructions issued by local officials.