Vietnam, Philippines, China, Laos, Thailand Face Major Travel Disaster As Typhoon Kajiki Ravages Through Asia, Causes Airport Closures, About 80 Cancelled Flights, Mass Evacuation And More Disruptions

Published on August 26, 2025

Typhoon Kajiki has caused a major travel disaster across Vietnam, Philipines, Thailand, Laos, and China. The powerful storm has brought chaos to South Asia, with airport closures, around 80 cancelled flights, and widespread disruptions. These countries are grappling with the aftermath as mass evacuations are taking place to ensure the safety of residents and travelers.

The heavy rains and strong winds have severely impacted transportation, leading to the grounding of flights and halted services at key airports. With the storm’s impact stretching across several borders, China, Thailand, and Vietnam are facing the brunt of the damage. Laos is also not spared, as severe weather continues to worsen. Amid the destruction, authorities are working tirelessly to restore order, but the situation remains critical, especially for travelers caught in the storm’s path. The full extent of the damage is still unfolding, but the disruptions are significant.

Current Situation of the Typhoon Kajiki

Vietnam is currently facing one of its most severe natural disasters in recent years as Typhoon Kajiki approaches its central coast. The storm, which intensified rapidly from a tropical depression into a powerful typhoon, has prompted extensive evacuation efforts and widespread disruptions.

Typhoon Kajiki (19W) is currently near the coast of Vietnam, located around 144 nautical miles south of Hanoi. It has been moving westward at 5 knots and is expected to weaken as it moves inland. As of August 25, 2025, the typhoon has sustained winds of 80 knots (about 92 mph), with gusts up to 100 knots (about 115 mph). The storm is predicted to continue weakening rapidly as it moves over the mountainous regions of Laos and is expected to dissipate completely within 36 hours.

The typhoon is causing heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of Vietnam, particularly around Vinh and Ha Tinh, where wind directions have shifted. The storm’s central pressure is at 974 mb, and significant wave heights have reached up to 26 feet. This is the final warning from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, though the system will continue to be monitored for any signs of reintensification.

Mass Evacuations and Emergency Measures

In response to the impending threat, Vietnamese authorities have evacuated more than half a million people from high-risk areas, including the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, and Da Nang. Over 16,500 soldiers and 107,000 paramilitary personnel have been mobilized to assist with evacuation and rescue operations.

The government has also closed schools, suspended flights at airports in Thanh Hoa and Quang Binh, and canceled numerous train services. Road travel has been halted in Ha Tinh province, and fishing boats have been ordered to remain in port.

Cancelled Vietravel Airlines Flights:

Due to the typhoon’s impact, several flights operated by Vietravel Airlines have been cancelled:

Flight Suspensions and Airport Closures

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has announced the suspension of flights at two key airports in central Vietnam as Typhoon Kajiki approaches. Dong Hoi Airport in Quang Binh Province will close from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, while Tho Xuan Airport in Thanh Hoa will suspend operations from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. the same day. These measures are being taken to ensure the safety of passengers and airport equipment.

The CAAV has directed relevant agencies to maintain 24/7 duty shifts, inspect airport infrastructure, communication systems, and promptly address any damage caused by the typhoon. These precautionary measures reflect the severity of the storm and the efforts to mitigate its impact on air travel in the region.

Cancelled flights by Airlines of China

Flight Delays Across Major Airports

In addition to the cancellations, significant flight delays have been reported across several major airports in Vietnam due to Typhoon Kajiki’s impact. The current delay statistics are as follows:

• Noi Bai International (Hanoi): 201 delays
• Tan Son Nhat International (Ho Chi Minh City): 173 delays
• Da Nang International: 83 delays
• Cam Ranh International: 48 delays
• Phu Quoc International: 34 delays
• Tra Noc International: 4 delays

These delays are part of the ongoing disruption at airports across the country, which is expected to continue as the storm progresses.

Casualties and Damage

As of August 25, at least one person has been reported dead in Vietnam due to the storm’s effects. The typhoon has caused significant damage, including downed power lines, destroyed roofs, and washed-away fishing farms. In Ha Tinh’s Ky Anh Commune, residents used sandbags and ropes to secure roofs and storefronts in preparation for the storm. Roofs were blown off, and floating fishing farms were washed away. The storm is being noted that waves have reached heights of up to two meters, flooding the surrounding areas. One man died in Nghe An province after being electrocuted while trying to secure his roof.

The typhoon, which is forecast to intensify before making landfall, is predicted to bring heavy rains, flooding, and landslides, particularly to Vietnam’s coastal areas, which are particularly vulnerable to such storms. This is expected to be more powerful than Typhoon Yagi, which struck Vietnam less than a year ago, killing around 300 people and causing $3.3 billion in damage.

As of 12 a.m. GMT, the storm was approximately 150 km off Vietnam’s central coast, moving toward Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces. The eye of the storm is forecast to hit around 9 a.m. GMT. After crossing Vietnam, Kajiki is expected to weaken as it moves inland across Laos and northern Thailand.

Vietnam’s government has been urging residents to remain indoors and heed evacuation orders as authorities work to minimize the storm’s devastating effects. The government spokesperson called Kajiki “an extremely dangerous, fast-moving storm,” emphasizing the urgent need for precautionary measures.

Weather Forecast for Vietnam

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts that northern Vietnam will experience showers and thunderstorms throughout the week, with some areas facing heavy rain. On Monday, the midlands and lowlands are expected to see moderate to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and localized downpours. Central provinces will also experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, with heavier rainfall anticipated in the evenings and at night.

The forecast also warns that these conditions could result in flooding and other severe weather impacts, increasing the risks to affected regions. Northern provinces, including Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, are likely to experience the worst of the storm.

Typhoon Kajiki’s Impact on Southern China

Typhoon Kajiki developed into a full-fledged typhoon on August 23 and strengthened as it passed just south of Hainan, an island province in southern China. A red alert, which is the highest level in China’s warning system, was issued for Hainan. The typhoon brought heavy rain, winds reaching over 100 mph (160 km/h), and caused significant damage in the region. It is expected to bring over 300mm (11.8in) of rainfall to parts of Hainan and Vietnam, causing flooding that is likely to have a severe impact on farmland.

The typhoon, which developed in the South China Sea, is one of the strongest storms of the year and has already wreaked havoc in southern China, with heavy rain and strong winds affecting Hainan Island and parts of Guangdong province. Approximately 20,000 people were evacuated from high-risk areas in China as a precaution.

After making landfall, Kajiki is forecast to rapidly weaken as it travels inland across Vietnam and Laos due to the lack of warm seas to fuel the storm. However, its impact will still be felt, particularly in the central regions of both Vietnam and Laos.

Comparison with Cyclone Erin in US and Europe

Typhoon Kajiki’s Impact:

• Typhoon Kajiki caused severe flooding and widespread evacuations in Vietnam and southern China. The storm’s intensity caused significant damage to infrastructure, including downed power lines, collapsed roofs, and destroyed farmland.
• The system’s sustained winds of 92 mph were strong enough to create significant destruction and disruption, particularly along Vietnam’s central coast.

Hurricane Erin’s Impact:

• In Europe, Erin’s swell continued to impact the west coasts of Ireland and Portugal, generating dangerous waves for surfers and increasing the risk of rip currents.
• Erin, while weakening, still generated extreme swell conditions, causing significant beach erosion and damage to coastal homes along the US East Coast. Although Erin didn’t directly make landfall, its swell and large waves had significant impacts on coastal areas.

Key Differences

• Direct Impact: Kajiki made landfall in Vietnam, causing widespread damage, evacuations, and disruption to daily life. Erin, on the other hand, did not make landfall and primarily caused damage through its swells, affecting coastal areas without a direct hit.
• Intensity and Duration: Kajiki had higher sustained winds (92 mph) at its peak, causing more structural damage, while Erin’s winds, though still strong (90 mph), had less direct impact. Erin’s primary threat was its lingering swell effects on coastal areas.
• Region Affected: Typhoon Kajiki severely impacted Southeast Asia (Vietnam, China, Laos, Thailand) and led to evacuations, while Erin affected the US East Coast and parts of Europe with its swells, creating hazardous coastal conditions.

Thailand on High Alert

As Typhoon Kajiki continues its path, authorities in Thailand have issued warnings for 58 provinces, anticipating flash floods, runoffs, and landslides. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and follow local advisories.

Climate Change Concerns

Scientists have linked the rapid intensification of Typhoon Kajiki to climate change, noting that rising sea temperatures are causing storms to form closer to land, strengthen more quickly, and last longer. Experts warn that this is a clear indication that the climate crisis is accelerating faster than previously expected.

Conclusion

As Typhoon Kajiki continues to impact Vietnam, Thailand, and China, travelers are strongly advised to stay informed and monitor the latest updates on weather conditions and flight statuses. With widespread airport closures, mass evacuations, and ongoing disruptions to transportation and infrastructure, it’s essential to follow the instructions of local authorities. Safety should be the top priority during this time of uncertainty.

Travelers in affected regions should be prepared for potential delays, cancellations, and route changes, especially with the storm’s ongoing impact. Stay alert to advisories from airlines and government sources, and avoid unnecessary travel in storm-affected areas. As the situation develops, remain flexible with your travel plans and prioritize your well-being. Stay safe and continue to follow updates as Typhoon Kajiki moves through the region.

Source: FlightAware