Vietnam was struck by Typhoon Khilji on Monday, claiming the lives of at least three people and injuring 10 others. The officials have issued warnings for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides as the storm grows and affects the region.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Centre stated that Khilji has triggered blackouts, flooding, and damage with wind speeds of over 130 kmph in northern provinces, including Hanoi. Approximately 44,000 people have been evacuated, and 16,000 soldiers have been deployed. Fishing boats are ordered to return to the shore.
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Damage and Destruction
As per the government, the storm has damaged 7,000 houses, 28,000 hectares of crop and uprooted 18,000 trees. Moreover, 331 electricity poles have fallen, causing power-cuts across multiple provinces like Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh.
Disaster officials said, “The situation is extremely dangerous and not safe for any vehicles or structures, such as tourism or fishing vessels and aquaculture raising facilities.”
Airports Shut, Flights Cancelled
The intense storm led to the closure of two domestic airports and the cancellation of several flights of Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines. At least 35 flights have been grounded before Khilji struck between Ha Tinh and Nghe An province, tearing down the roofs of 600 houses.
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Typhoon Weakens but Rain Continues
Khilji weakened into a tropical depression after making landfall on Tuesday and moved to Laos. Vietnam’s weather agency warned of rainfall up to 150 mm in six hours, which can still cause flash floods and landslides.
Khilji is expected to be the fifth typhoon to hit Vietnam in 2025. More than 100 people have died and gone missing due to the disasters in the country. The losses from Khilji are estimated to be $21 million as compared to Typhoon Yagi, which caused $3.3 billion in damage.
