CaliToday (22/8/2025): All eyes in Vietnam are on the South China Sea this evening as a tropical depression entered the waterway and began a rapid intensification, prompting urgent warnings and emergency preparations along the country's extensive coastline. According to Vietnam's National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the system is on a swift west-northwesterly track and is expected to strengthen into the fifth typhoon of the season, internationally named Kajiki, within the next 24 hours.
The tropical depression is currently gathering strength over warm waters, and forecasts indicate it will develop into a powerful and fast-moving typhoon. Authorities are issuing severe weather alerts, predicting that by the time Kajiki approaches the Gulf of Tonkin, it could be packing sustained winds of Level 11-12 (approximately 104-133 km/h or 65-83 mph) with violent gusts reaching as high as Level 14-15 (up to 183 km/h or 114 mph).
The storm is projected to make a direct impact on Vietnam's mainland, with a high probability of making landfall in the North and North Central coastal provinces. The primary impact zone is expected to stretch from Thanh Hoa province down to Quang Tri province, beginning on the night of August 24th.
In anticipation of the typhoon's arrival, a period of widespread and heavy rainfall is forecast for the entire northern region and the upper central coast. This deluge is expected to trigger risks of severe flooding, flash floods in mountainous areas, and landslides, posing a significant threat to infrastructure and residential areas.
Coastal provinces along the projected path are in a state of high alert. Emergency meetings are being convened by provincial disaster management committees to rapidly implement response measures. A top priority is the safety of maritime activities. Authorities have begun issuing urgent calls to all vessels, including fishing fleets and tourist boats, to immediately seek safe shelter. Fishermen are being instructed to secure their boats and evacuate to safer locations on land.
"This is forecast to be a strong, fast-moving storm, leaving a very short window for preparations," a government official stated in an evening broadcast. "We are mobilizing all resources to ensure the safety of our citizens, particularly those in coastal and high-risk areas. We urge everyone to follow the instructions of local authorities closely."
Residents in the threatened provinces are being advised to monitor the storm's progress, reinforce their homes, and prepare emergency kits. The storm's trajectory and intensity will be closely monitored, with further updates and warnings to be issued as Typhoon Kajiki continues its path toward Vietnam.
