Typhoon Kajiki Strikes Vietnam and Southeast Asia, Causing Widespread Damage and Travel Disruptions: What You Need To Know

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Typhoon Kajiki has intensified rapidly over the South China Sea, wreaking havoc across Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. The storm made landfall in Vietnam on Monday, leaving severe flooding and damage in its wake.

A Powerful Typhoon Makes Landfall in Vietnam

Typhoon Kajiki strengthened into a category 2 storm, packing winds of up to 115 mph as it approached Vietnam’s coast. The storm made landfall near Vinh, Vietnam, on Monday afternoon, slightly weakening but still maintaining destructive winds of 100 mph. Though the wind threat diminished soon after the storm hit, flooding remained a significant concern in the days that followed.

Flooding Continues to Wreak Havoc in Vietnam

As Typhoon Kajiki moved inland, heavy rainfall poured over central and northern Vietnam. The rainfall ranged from 300mm to 400mm, further exacerbating the flood risk. Seven people lost their lives in Vietnam, with more than 10,000 homes severely damaged. The rice-growing areas of the country also faced heavy losses, affecting thousands of hectares of plantations. Hanoi, the capital, saw power outages and persistent flooding caused by the storm’s outer bands.

Thailand and Laos Brace for Landslides

The impact of Typhoon Kajiki was not limited to Vietnam. The continuous torrential rains over the region heightened the landslide risk across Laos and Thailand. By Thursday, landslides were reported in 12 Thai provinces, including popular tourist areas like Chiang Mai. The storm claimed five lives in Thailand, with four fatalities in Chiang Mai alone. Further casualties were reported in Mae Hong Son, where a drowning incident added to the death toll.

The landslides in Thailand and Laos impeded considerable obstacles to rescue operations due to blocked roads and damaged infrastructure. The emergency teams are continuing to work in critical, hard to reach, areas.

Tropical Depression to Prolong Rains and Flood Risk

The weather system following Typhoon Kajiki, now designated as tropical depression 20W, is expected to exacerbate the situation. The depression, currently over the South China Sea, is moving westward. Its expected track will continue to bring heavy rainfall over the next few days to Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, prolonging flood risks and complicating relief efforts in the storm-affected regions.

Travel Disruptions Due to Typhoon Kajiki’s Impact

Travel disruptions have been severe throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. In Vietnam, flooded roads and damaged infrastructure made it difficult for travelers to move across the country. Airports were also impacted, with delayed flights and canceled routes due to unsafe conditions.

In Thailand, tourist destinations such as Chiang Mai have suffered considerable destruction as a result of landslides. Travel, both domestic and international, has been suspended while local officials are advising people to exercise extreme vigilance. Monsoon rainfall coupled with the effects of Typhoon Kajiki have rendered all forms of overland travel perilous throughout the region.

Wider Southeast Asia and Monsoon Woes

Meanwhile, the monsoon season continues to affect India and Pakistan, causing further floods and displacements. In Punjab, Pakistan, over 200,000 people have been evacuated due to heavy rains. Kashmir reported at least 34 deaths from flooding, while the overall toll from the 2025 monsoon season has now reached around 800.

As the situation unfolds across the region, authorities and residents continue to battle the weather-related challenges. The long-term impact on local communities, including agricultural losses and property damage, will take time to fully assess.

Phoenix, Arizona, Faces Dust Storm

This week, Arizona Phoenix experienced the brunt of severe weather in the United States. Monsoon storms caused traffic disruptions as they passed through the region, creating stunning dust storms. A dust storm that Phoenix experienced on Tuesday, powered by thunderstorms, resulted in an underpass flooding which trapped several cars.

Summary

Typhoon Kajiki has impacted Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos, leaving a path of devastation in Southeast Asia. The storm triggered severe flooding and landslides, and disrupted travel significantly. Seven fatalities have been reported in Vietnam, while Thailand reported five. The storm’s winds may have lessened after landfall, but the region still faces risks of flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall and the presence of tropical depression 20W. Travel has been considerably disrupted and many have been displaced; thus, the region’s full impact will take longer to understand.