Why in news?
Vietnam ordered mass evacuations and shut down airports as Typhoon Kajiki approached its central coast in August 2025. The storm was expected to make landfall between Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces with winds up to 166 kilometres per hour.
Understanding typhoons
A typhoon is a powerful tropical cyclone that forms over the warm waters of the western Pacific Ocean. Similar storms are called hurricanes in the Atlantic and east Pacific and cyclones in the Indian Ocean and Australia.
Key facts about Typhoon Kajiki
- Strength: Kajiki’s winds reached around 166 km/h, bringing heavy rain, floods and landslides.
- Preparations: Over half a million people were evacuated, airports closed and boats were ordered back to port.
- Comparison: The storm was considered as powerful as Typhoon Yagi of 2024, which killed around 300 people and caused damage worth billions of dollars.
Characteristics of a typhoon
- Low‑pressure system: Warm ocean water heats the air, causing it to rise and create a spinning, low‑pressure storm.
- High winds and heavy rainfall: Typhoons bring destructive winds and torrential rains that can cause flooding, storm surges and landslides.
- Regional names: Similar storms are called hurricanes in the Atlantic and east Pacific and cyclones in the Indian Ocean region.
Conclusion: Typhoon Kajiki reminds us of the growing threat of extreme weather in the western Pacific. Robust warning systems, evacuation plans and climate‑resilient infrastructure are essential to protect lives and livelihoods.