Tropical Storm Kajiki, the fifth storm to form in the East Sea this year, is forecast to strengthen rapidly with maximum sustained winds of level 11-12 and gusts reaching level 14-15. It is expected to make landfall in Vietnam on August 25, bringing heavy rain and strong winds from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue, with Nghe An to Quang Tri as the hardest-hit areas.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, this morning (August 22), a tropical depression east of Luzon Island (Philippines) intensified and is projected to move into the East Sea tonight, strengthening into Storm Kajiki, the 11th storm in the Northwest Pacific this season.

Once in the East Sea, the storm will move quickly at about 20 km/h. By August 24, as it approaches the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands, its intensity may reach level 10-11 with gusts up to 13-14, potentially strengthening further as it nears the Gulf of Tonkin. Experts warn that on August 25, Storm Kajiki will make landfall in Vietnam.

From tomorrow (August 23), strong winds of level 6-7 will affect the northern and central East Sea, including the Hoang Sa area, later strengthening to level 8-9, then reaching level 10-11 with gusts up to 13-14 by August 24. Waves are expected to rise to 4-7 meters, with very rough seas, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall.

Coastal waters from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang will experience winds of level 8, with areas near the storm’s center reaching level 11-12 and gusts up to level 15.

Torrential rain across northern and central provinces

Forecasters emphasize that Kajiki’s circulation is vast, affecting coastal areas from northern to north-central Vietnam, with Nghe An to Quang Tri likely to experience the strongest impact. Winds may reach level 10-11 with gusts of level 13-14 along coastal provinces.

The time for preparation is short, only about two days before strong winds and heavy rain strike from Thanh Hoa to Hue, starting late August 24 and lasting until the night of August 25. From August 24 to 27, heavy to very heavy rainfall of 150-300 mm is expected, with some areas exceeding 600 mm.

Flooding will occur on rivers from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri, with high risks of flash floods, landslides, and inundation in low-lying areas, riversides, and urban centers. Local authorities have been urged to implement flood control measures, relocate residents in dangerous areas, and ensure dam and reservoir safety.

Tropical depression path

At 10 a.m. on August 22, the center of the tropical depression was located at 16.7°N, 121.3°E over Luzon Island, Philippines, with winds of level 6-7 (39-61 km/h) and gusts up to level 9, moving northwest at 10-15 km/h.

Within the next 24 hours, it will move west-northwest at 15-20 km/h and intensify into Storm Kajiki. By 10 a.m. on August 23, its center will be over the northeastern East Sea, about 560 km east-northeast of Hoang Sa, with winds of level 8-9 and gusts up to level 11.

By 10 a.m. on August 24, the storm will reach the northern Hoang Sa area, with winds of level 10-11 and gusts of level 14, continuing westward at 20 km/h. It may intensify further as it approaches Vietnam’s mainland.

Strong winds and rough seas will spread across the northern East Sea, with waves 3-5 meters high, thunderstorms, and dangerous conditions for vessels.

Bao Anh