Tens of thousands of residents were evacuated from the Vietnamese coast today ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Kajiki, which is forecast to hit the country’s central region with wind gusts of up to 160 km/h (100 mph). Authorities have evacuated over 325,500 residents across five coastal provinces, moving them into schools and public buildings converted into temporary shelters. The typhoon—the fifth to strike Vietnam this year—was located over the Tonkin Gulf, generating waves up to 9.5 meters (31 feet) high.
The coastal city of Vinh experienced flooding overnight, and by morning its streets were largely deserted. Most shops and restaurants were closed, with residents and business owners working to reinforce the entrances to their properties with sandbags. By dawn, nearly 30,000 people had been evacuated from the region, supported by the deployment of 16,000 soldiers. Additionally, two airports have been closed, and all fishing boats in the typhoon’s path have been ordered back to port.