At around 4 a.m. today, Typhoon Kajiki was about 200 km from Ha Tinh and 180 km from north Quang Tri. However, observation stations on islands and along the coast have recorded strong winds. Bach Long Vi station (Hai Phong) recorded winds of level 7, gusting to level 9; Co To (Quang Ninh) level 6, gusting to level 9; Bai Chay (Quang Ninh) level 6, gusting to level 8; Hon Ngu (Nghe An) level 7, gusting to level 8; and Con Co (Quang Tri) level 6, gusting to level 8.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting stated that after nearly 20 hours of moving closer to land, the typhoon maintained winds of 166 km/h, a category 14 storm, with gusts up to level 17. It is moving west-northwest at a speed of 20 km/h.

Projected path and area of influence of Typhoon Kajiki, morning of 25/8. Photo: Disaster Monitoring System

Projected path and area of influence of Typhoon Kajiki, morning of 25/8. Photo: Disaster Monitoring System

By 4 p.m., the typhoon is expected to maintain its intensity, direction, and speed while over the coastal waters of Thanh Hoa - north Quang Tri before making landfall between Thanh Hoa and Nghe An. Compared to yesterday afternoon's forecast, the typhoon's path has shifted slightly north, avoiding the area between Nghe An and Ha Tinh.

By 4 a.m. tomorrow, when it reaches central Laos, Kajiki is expected to maintain its intensity as a category 8 typhoon with gusts up to level 10, before gradually weakening into a tropical depression and then a low-pressure area.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the typhoon currently has winds of 144 km/h, which are expected to increase to 162 km/h as it approaches land. The Hong Kong Observatory reported that the typhoon has winds of 155 km/h and is expected to maintain this intensity when it makes landfall in Thanh Hoa - Nghe An.

Due to the typhoon's influence, the northwestern area of the East Sea will experience strong winds of levels 6-7, gusting to level 9, with waves of 3-5 meters today.

The sea area from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri (including Hon Ngu Island and Con Co Special Economic Zone) will experience winds of levels 7-9, increasing to 10-11, and 12-14 near the typhoon's center, with gusts up to level 17. Waves will be high.

The northern part of the Gulf of Tonkin (including Cat Hai, Co To, and Van Don special economic zones) will experience winds of levels 6-7, gusting to level 9. The southern part of the Gulf of Tonkin (including Bach Long Vi Special Economic Zone) will experience winds of levels 8-9, gusting to 11, with waves of 3-5 meters.

Evacuation in Ha Tinh. Photo: Duc Hung

Evacuation in Ha Tinh. Photo: Duc Hung

Coastal areas and islands from Hai Phong to north Quang Tri will experience storm surges of 0.5-1.8 meters, with Thanh Hoa and Nghe An experiencing surges of 1-1.8 meters. Water levels at Hon Dau station (Hai Phong) are expected to reach 3.5-4 meters, Ba Lat (Ninh Binh) 1.8-2.3 meters, Sam Son (Thanh Hoa) 3.7-4.2 meters, Hon Ngu (Nghe An) 3.5-4 meters, and Cua Nhuong (Ha Tinh) 2.2-2.6 meters.

There is a high risk of flooding along coastal roads and riverbanks due to storm surges and high waves this afternoon and evening. The meteorological agency warned of extremely dangerous weather conditions at sea and in coastal areas during the typhoon, advising against any activities in the danger zone, including tourist boats, passenger ships, cargo ships, cages, rafts, aquaculture farms, dikes, embankments, and coastal roads.

There is a high risk of vessels capsizing or being destroyed. Starting this morning, onshore areas from Thanh Hoa to north Quang Tri will experience winds increasing to levels 8-11, gusting to 12-14. Southern Thanh Hoa and Ha Tinh will experience winds of levels 12-14, gusting to 15-16. Coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Ninh Binh will experience winds of levels 6-8, gusting to 9-10. Today and tomorrow, the midlands and delta of northern Vietnam, Lao Cai, and from Thanh Hoa to Hue will receive 100-150 mm of rain, with some areas receiving over 250 mm. Thanh Hoa to north Quang Tri will receive 200-400 mm, with some areas receiving over 700 mm.

There is a risk of heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm in three hours. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang will also experience thunderstorms during this period. From the afternoon of 25/8 to 27/8, upper and central Laos will receive 100-250 mm of rain, with central Laos receiving over 500 mm.

To prepare for the typhoon, the government has issued two official dispatches, and relevant ministries and agencies have also issued several directives. Yesterday, a forward command post was established at Military Region 4 in Nghe An. The prime minister chaired a typhoon prevention meeting with ministries, agencies, and localities.

According to the Border Guard Command, as of 4 p.m. on 24/8, 59,617 vessels with 248,840 crew members were notified, accounted for, and guided on the typhoon's development and path to proactively seek shelter. Eight provinces and cities have implemented fishing bans: Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Hue City, Da Nang, and Quang Ngai.

Provinces from Thanh Hoa to Hue are conducting reviews and developing evacuation plans for people in dangerous areas. An estimated 90,285 households with 325,570 people are expected to be evacuated, including 62,600 in Thanh Hoa, 38,630 in Nghe An, 16,930 in Ha Tinh, 155,210 in Quang Tri, and 52,180 in Hue City.

Gia Chinh