At least three people have been killed and 10 others injured after Typhoon Kajiki tore through Vietnam’s north-central coast, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The storm, which has since weakened into a tropical depression after moving into Laos, left widespread damage in its wake, with officials warning of continued heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides in northern provinces.
According to the government’s statement, nearly 7,000 homes were damaged, 28,800 hectares of rice fields inundated, and 18,000 trees felled. The typhoon also toppled 331 electricity poles, triggering power outages across several provinces including Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Thai Nguyen, and Phu Tho.
In the capital Hanoi, streets were left severely flooded on Tuesday morning as heavy rains paralysed traffic and submerged cars up to their roofs. Residential areas in low-lying districts were also surrounded by floodwaters, just days before the city prepares to host its largest National Day parade in decades, marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s founding.
Footage broadcast on state media showed West Lake, the capital’s largest lake, overflowing its banks as downpours persisted. Meanwhile, reports indicated that several villages in Bac Ninh province had become isolated due to rising floodwaters.
The National Weather Agency has cautioned that northern regions may still receive up to 150 millimetres of rainfall within six hours, significantly heightening the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.
Before battering Vietnam, Typhoon Kajiki skirted the southern coast of China’s Hainan Island on Sunday, prompting authorities in Sanya City to suspend business operations and shut down public transport.
As the country counts its losses, rescue efforts remain ongoing, with officials urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain on alert for further weather-related hazards.
Melissa Enoch
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