Vietnam has been battered by Typhoon Kajiki after the powerful storm made landfall on Monday, forcing the evacuation of more than 500,000 people from coastal areas.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Kajiki struck near the city of Vinh with sustained winds of 118–133 km/h (73–82 mph). Heavy rain and strong winds lashed central provinces as authorities warned of severe flooding and damage to farmland.
Kajiki developed into a typhoon on 23 August as it crossed the South China Sea. It intensified while passing just south of China’s Hainan province, where authorities issued a red alert the country’s highest warning level. Boats were ordered to return to port, flights were cancelled, and schools closed as the storm moved closer to shore.
Meteorologists say the typhoon is expected to bring more than 300mm (11.8in) of rainfall to parts of Vietnam and Hainan. Flooding is forecast to cause extensive disruption to crops and infrastructure.
Vietnamese authorities confirmed that more than half a million residents had been evacuated in advance of the storm, with soldiers and emergency teams deployed to reinforce dykes and shelters.
Kajiki is expected to weaken rapidly on Tuesday as it travels inland over Vietnam and into Laos, losing strength without the warm seas required to sustain it. However, heavy rainfall and landslides remain a risk in mountainous areas.
The storm comes as Hurricane Erin, further out in the western Pacific, has generated waves of nearly 50ft, although it is not expected to impact land directly.