Tropical Cyclone Kajiki

Tropical Cyclone Kajiki on August 24, 2025

Tropical cyclone Kajiki, locally named “Isang”, developed from the low-pressure area INVEST 90W, which was detected east of Eastern Visayas, the Philippines, on August 19. On that day, the storm made landfall over northern Luzon, the Philippines, before intensifying into tropical cyclone Kajiki. It was classified as a typhoon, with maximum sustained winds of 118–149 km/h (level 12–13) and gusts up to level 15, moving westward at 20 km/h.

From August 24 to 26, tropical cyclone Kajiki made landfall in Vietnam, where winds reached levels 13–14 with gusts up to level 16. The storm later weakened gradually as it moved near Lao PDR and Thailand, eventually dissipating into a low-pressure area over upper Lao PDR.

Damage and losses

Impact on the affected area

The devastating impact of tropical cyclone Kajiki caused significant damage across the Philippines, Vietnam, Lao PDR, and Thailand. The details are as follows:

• In Lao PDR, the cyclone brought widespread thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rainfall and strong winds over central and southern provinces, including Vientiane Capital, resulting in flash floods, river flooding, and landslides. Authorities have issued warnings for heavy rainfall and the potential for flash floods, particularly in central and northern regions. Vientiane was at risk of extensive flooding, while upland areas faced the threat of landslides, making trekking and other adventure tourism activities unsafe. Lao PDR’s Vang Vieng was also expected to face lengthy recovery processes due to flooding and landslide damage.
• In the Philippines, multiple alerts were issued in relation to the combined effects of the southwest monsoon, tropical cyclone Kajiki, and tropical cyclone 20W (locally named “Jacinto”). Authorities warned that these conditions could exacerbate damage in affected areas and emphasized the need for preparedness measures.
• In Thailand, heavy to severe rainfall affected the northeastern, northern, central, eastern, and western coastal provinces of the south. This resulted in river overflows and landslides, particularly in highland areas.
• In Vietnam, the cyclone severely impacted the western waters of the northeastern East Sea, where winds reached level 8 with gusts up to level 10. It generated wave heights of 2.5–5 meters, causing rough sea conditions. Provinces from Nghe An to Hue, as well as Hon Ngu Island and the Con Co area, experienced severe thunderstorms, according to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Moreover, the cyclone caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Many houses collapsed, while schools, medical facilities, and commercial centers were also affected. Irrigation systems and dikes sustained damage, with landslides eroding riverbanks and canals being washed away. Traffic routes, localized roads, bridges, and culverts were likewise impacted.

Agricultural devastation

Agricultural land:

• Lao PDR: Several provinces and regions have been affected, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang, Northern Lao PDR, and Vang Vieng.
• Philippines: No information has been reported for this situation yet.
• Thailand: Several provinces have been affected, including Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, and Loei.
• Vietnam: Multiple provinces have been affected, with significant damage reported in the agricultural sector totaling 159,367 hectares. Losses include:

o   Livestock: 61,830 cattle and poultry lost (notably in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh).

o   Industrial crops: 11,104 hectares damaged.

o   Aquaculture: 4,871 hectares affected, with cages washed away by floods.

Affected crops:

• Lao PDR: No information has been reported for this situation yet.
• Philippines: No information has been reported for this situation yet.
• Thailand: No information has been reported for this situation yet.
• Vietnam: Rice crops with 134,984 hectares, fruit trees with a total damaged area of 10,352 hectares, and other crops with a damaged area of 14,061 hectares.

Government responses and countermeasures

Lao PDR:

• Authorities have advised both travelers and local residents to closely monitor official updates and prepare essential emergency supplies.

Thailand:

• Provincial governors have been instructed to coordinate closely with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, establish emergency operations centers, and activate response plans as necessary. Preparedness measures include designating evacuation zones, distributing essential supplies, ensuring drainage systems are cleared, and inspecting high-risk structures such as billboards and tall buildings.

Vietnam:

• Authorities have settled evacuation plans for 152,387 households, totaling nearly 587,000 people. Seven coastal provinces have ordered a ban on fishing vessels going to sea. Moreover, border guard forces had informed and guided fishing boats to avoid dangerous areas.
• The Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force have been placed on standby for rescue operations.
• The Viettel telecom group has deployed mobile teams and drones to survey vulnerable areas and ensure communications in case of network disruptions.
• Vietnam announced plans to evacuate more than half a million people and ordered all fishing boats to remain ashore.
• Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued directives to ministers, local government leaders, and relevant officials, ordering the immediate evacuation and relocation of residents in high-risk areas. A government statement reported that soldiers and paramilitary forces were on standby to support disaster response and relief operations.

Sources:

1. ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
2. Storm Kajiki intensifies to level 14, landfall expected tomorrow. https://vietnamnet.vn/en/storm-kajiki-intensifies-to-level-14-landfall-expected-tomorrow-2435634.html
3. Mass evacuations begin as Typhoon Kajiki approaches Vietnam. https://zamin.uz/en/world/158408-mass-evacuations-begin-as-typhoon-kadziki-approaches-vietnam.html
4. Typhoon Kajiki weakens into tropical depression, brings heavy rain to northern and central Vietnam. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/environment/typhoon-kajiki-weakens-into-tropical-depression-brings-heavy-rain-to-northern-and-central-vietnam-4931466.html
5. The Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.Báo cáo nhanh công tác trực ban PCTT ngày 27/8/2025
6. Tropical storm Kajiki leaves 1 dead, 8 injured after making landfall in Vietnam. https://en.sggp.org.vn/tropical-storm-kajiki-leaves-1-dead-8-injured-after-making-landfall-in-vietnam-post119840.html
7. Vietnam plans mass evacuation; China's Sanya shuts as Typhoon Kajiki intensifies. https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/vietnam-plans-mass-evacuation-chinas-sanya-shuts-typhoon-kajiki-intensifies-2025-08-24/
8. Emergency measures underway as Typhoon Kajiki heads to central coast. https://en.vietnamplus.vn/emergency-measures-underway-as-typhoon-kajiki-heads-to-central-coast-post325180.vnp
9. Typhoon Kajiki set to impact Thailand, northern provinces brace for heavy rainfall. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40054387
10. Typhoon Kajiki to weaken, reach northern Thailand Tuesday evening. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3092277/typhoon-kajiki-to-weaken-and-reach-northern-thailand-tuesday-evening#google_vignette
11. Northern Laos braces for heavy rains as Typhoon Kajiki prompts railway halt. https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/25/northern-laos-braces-for-heavy-rains-as-typhoon-kajiki-prompts-railway-halt/

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