Hanoi (VNA) – Authorities across Vietnam’s coastal provinces have suspended marine tourism and transport activities as Typhoon Kajiki (Storm No. 5) intensifies, in a bid to safeguard visitors and residents.
Forecasts suggest the storm could reach level 13–14, with some models warning of possible escalation to level 15. Its centre is expected to make landfall between Thanh Hoa and the northern part of Quang Tri around midday to afternoon of August 25.
In Hai Phong, all tourism operations have been halted, including the Dong Bai–Cai Vieng ferry and Cat Hai–Phu Long cable car. Quang Ninh has also suspended sightseeing and overnight stays at sea, and ordered fishing boats to return to shore.
Provinces from Thanh Hoa to Quang Binh have also banned marine activities. In Nghe An, businesses were instructed to reinforce storm measures, including limiting container stacking to two layers to mitigate risks from strong winds.
In Quang Ngai, all passenger routes between Sa Ky and Ly Son Special Zone, as well as services linking Dao Lon and Dao Be islets, have been suspended.
Nguyen Van Huy, Chairman of the Ly Son Special Zone People’s Committee, said although the island had not yet experienced severe weather, authorities had prepared forces, transport and essential supplies in case of isolation.
High winds and rough seas were also reported around An Thoi island in An Giang province, where canoe tour operators have suspended services.
The National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting reported strong winds already affecting Bach Long Vi, Co To, Bai Chay, Hon Ngu, and Con Co.
At 6 am on August 25, the storm’s centre was about 185 km east-southeast of Nghe An, 165 km east of Ha Tinh, and 160 km east-northeast of the northern part of Quang Tri, with maximum sustained winds at level 14 (150–166 km/h), gusting to level 17. It is moving west-northwest at around 20 km/h.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong gusts are forecast to lash many regions throughout August 25./.
