China and Vietnam evacuated thousands as Typhoon Kajiki approaches

Beijing: Vietnam has ordered more than 586,000 people to be evacuated ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Kajiki. Weather forecasters said, the storm is already packing winds of 166km/h (103mph) and is expected to strengthen further before making landfall on Tuesday Morning.

People from the central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue and Da Nang have been ordered to leave their homes.

Flights have been cancelled and boats told to stay ashore. The storm is skirting past Hainan in China, where the country’s weather agency said up to 320mm (12.6in ) of rain was forecast.

The Meteorological Center forecast heavy rainfall and strong wind in Hainan and the nearby provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi, with areas in Hainan set to receive as much as 400 mm of precipitation.

All classes and construction are suspended, and shopping centres, restaurants and supermarkets are closed from Sunday. Vessels have been ordered to cease operating in Sanya’s waters.

Officials said the lifting of restrictions would depend on the storm’s impact. Sanya is one of China’s most popular holiday destinations, attracting 34 million tourist visits in 2024, state news agency Xinhua reported.

Weather forecasters said Typhoon Kajiki is expected to weaken as it moves inland into Vietnam, but still lash the country with winds of 200km/h and expected rainfall of 300-400mm.

Storm surges of 2-4m (6.6-13ft) are also expected. Officials from the ministry of agriculture and environment said, the situation is extremely dangerous and not safe for any vehicles or structures such as tourism or fishing vessels and aquaculture raising facilities. Vietnam Airlines cancelled at least 22 flights to and from central cities today and tomorrow.