Hanoi, August 25 - Vietnam has taken drastic measures to brace for the impact of Typhoon Kajiki, a powerful storm expected to be one of the most severe to hit the country in 2025. As the typhoon approaches with wind speeds reaching up to 166 kilometers per hour (103 miles per hour) and the potential to strengthen further, the Vietnamese government has ordered the closure of several airports, including those in Thanh Hoa and Quang Binh provinces, to ensure public safety. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has directed airlines such as Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet to cancel or delay dozens of flights to and from the affected central regions, disrupting travel plans for thousands. The storm, which was approximately 150 kilometers off Vietnam’s central coast as of midnight GMT on August 24, 2025, is projected to make landfall in the area between Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces around 9 a.m. GMT on August 25. Authorities have warned that Kajiki could bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides, prompting a comprehensive response to mitigate potential damage and loss of life.
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The decision to shut down airports is part of a broader effort to protect Vietnam’s population and infrastructure from the destructive force of Typhoon Kajiki, which is expected to rival the devastating Typhoon Yagi that struck less than a year ago, claiming around 300 lives and causing $3.3 billion in property damage. In addition to airport closures, the government has initiated mass evacuations, with plans to relocate more than 586,000 people from the central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, and Danang. Seven coastal provinces have banned boats from leaving shore, and fishing vessels have been ordered to remain docked to avoid the storm’s ferocious winds and high waves. The Vietnamese weather agency has emphasized the storm’s rapid movement and potential to intensify, with wind speeds possibly reaching 180 kilometers per hour, heightening the urgency of these preventive measures. Ground crews at airports, including Noi Bai International, are securing aircraft and inspecting infrastructure to prevent damage from the anticipated heavy rains and strong winds.
The storm’s trajectory has also affected neighboring regions, as it skirted the southern coast of China’s Hainan Island before heading toward Vietnam. This path has led to significant disruptions in the region, with China’s Sanya city closing businesses, tourist attractions, and public transportation in preparation for heavy rainfall of up to 400 millimeters and strong winds. In Vietnam, the government has deployed soldiers to assist with evacuation efforts and disaster response, urging residents in the storm’s path to stay indoors after 2 p.m. GMT on August 24. The Ministry of Transport has issued directives to ensure continuous monitoring of the storm’s developments across aviation, maritime, and other sectors, with agencies instructed to maintain round-the-clock operations. Airports such as Tho Xuan, Vinh, Dong Hoi, and Phu Bai, located directly in the storm’s projected path, are under heightened scrutiny, with measures in place to prevent flooding and secure communication systems.
Vietnam’s long coastline along the South China Sea makes it particularly vulnerable to tropical storms, which frequently bring deadly flooding and mudslides. The government’s proactive response to Typhoon Kajiki reflects lessons learned from previous disasters, prioritizing the safety of lives and property. The economic impact of these measures, including airport closures and flight cancellations, is significant, particularly for Vietnam’s tourism and agricultural sectors, which are heavily reliant on coastal regions. However, the focus remains on minimizing human casualties and infrastructure damage. As Kajiki approaches, bringing the threat of storm surges up to 4 meters and rainfall of 300-400 millimeters, Vietnam’s authorities are emphasizing preparedness and resilience. The coordinated efforts across multiple sectors underscore the nation’s determination to weather this dangerous storm and protect its citizens from its potentially catastrophic consequences.