Typhoon Kajiki Causes Destruction in China and Vietnam
Typhoon Kajiki's Impact
Typhoon Kajiki Landfall: The cyclonic storm Kajiki, which originated in the Pacific Ocean on August 23, 2025, has wreaked havoc across two nations. In Japanese, Kajiki refers to the spear fish or dorado fish, while in the Philippines, it is known as 'Isang.' The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) had issued warnings regarding the storm. Initially, the storm struck China before making its way to Vietnam. The storm reached its peak on August 24 and 25, before weakening on August 26.
Current Status of the Storm
According to the National Weather Agencies of China and Japan, Typhoon Kajiki formed as a tropical cyclone in the South China Sea on August 23. By the morning of August 24, it had intensified into a typhoon and reached Category 2 by August 25, hitting China with winds gusting between 150 to 175 kilometers per hour (80-95 knots) accompanied by heavy rainfall.
After impacting China, the storm made landfall on Vietnam's central coast, where wind speeds reached 180 kilometers per hour. By August 26, the storm had weakened and was moving towards Laos, with wind speeds dropping to between 65 to 80 kilometers per hour. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has warned of continued heavy rainfall in Laos and Thailand, raising concerns about potential flooding.
Destruction in China
Typhoon Kajiki first hit China's Hainan Island and Guangdong province, causing significant rainfall and strong winds in the coastal city of Sanya. Trees were uprooted, and many homes suffered extensive damage. The China Meteorological Center predicted severe storm winds and up to 600 millimeters of rainfall. Residents were advised to stay indoors, and fishermen were instructed to return to shore. Tourists and locals were also warned against visiting coastal areas.
In anticipation of the storm, approximately 20,000 people were evacuated before its arrival. Fishing boats returned to shore, and schools, offices, and shops in Sanya were closed. The maximum wind speed recorded was 162 kilometers (100 miles) per hour, with rainfall in southern parts of Hainan Island reaching between 25 to 35 centimeters (10 to 14 inches). While there have been no reports of fatalities, the infrastructure has sustained considerable damage.