Typhoon Kajiki hits Vietnam, China, and Laos

Typhoon Kajiqi, which has weakened to a tropical storm, has hit China, Vietnam, and Laos. According to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), a partner of TV BRICS, the natural disaster caused flooding and landslides and disrupted air traffic.

The Vietnamese authorities have stepped up patrols of dams, are monitoring dangerous areas and are preparing to urgently reinforce flood defences if necessary. At least three people have died and around 7,000 homes have been damaged.

Emergency services are stocking up on building materials, equipment and transport in advance so they can respond quickly to any emergencies. Evacuation plans have been prepared for residents of coastal and flood-prone areas, and the population is being urged to refrain from travelling to rivers and other bodies of water, with traffic along the dams prohibited.

Vietnamese airports in Dong Hoi Airport in Quang Tri province, Xuan Airport in Thanh Hoa, and Vinh Airport in Nghe An province, have temporarily suspended operations. The authorities have confirmed that there is no damage to the infrastructure at the operating airports. Airlines are adjusting their schedules.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh earlier called on ministries, agencies and local authorities to take emergency measures at the highest level to counter Typhoon Kajiki and flooding. He instructed the leadership of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Tri provinces to immediately organise the evacuation of residents from dangerous areas.

In China, meanwhile, a yellow alert has been issued, the third highest in a four-level system. The natural disaster has affected Hainan province, where more than 100,000 people have been affected: roads, water supply systems, energy and communications facilities in the cities and counties of Sanya, Ledong, Lingshui, Wanning, with widespread flooding and fallen trees, but no reports of casualties.

The typhoon has reached the border areas of Laos, where heavy rains are falling. No information has been received about casualties or damage to buildings and infrastructure. The storm is also expected to affect Thailand.

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