Cyclone Kajiki affects 10 airports, which disrupts flights throughout Vietnam
The fifth cyclone or storm, known internationally as Typhoon Kajiki, has impacted flights at 10 airports in Vietnam. Four airports were identified to be directly in the path of the storm: Tho Xuan in Thanh Hoa, Vinh in Nghe An, Dong Hoi in Quang Tri and Phu Bai in Hue.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) issued an urgent directive of CAAV to all aviation units, requesting to increase the status of storm preparedness. For airports in the path of the storm, there are strict requests to secure airport infrastructure, closely monitor the weather conditions and prepare for a rapid recovery.
Airports monitoring the storm
Apart from the four airports impacted by Kajiki, six airports have been requested to be on high alert: Noi Bai, Cat Bi, Van Don, Da Nang, Chu Lai, and Pleiku. CAAV has directed airports to operate duty shifts 24/7 and to quickly respond according to emergency response plans for tropical storms and depressions.
Vinh Airport has been instructed to take immediate storm safety measures, as facilities are secured to limit damage and to restart flight operations as soon as practicable. In addition, Van Don International Airport and airports operated by Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) in similar positions to Vinh Airport have been instructed to check on infrastructure and communications systems and to repair damage as quickly as possible.
Airlines revise flight schedules
As a direct consequence of the storm, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and other carriers have altered their flight schedules to cancel or reschedule flights that fall into the severe weather threat category. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has reminded airlines to closely communicate with their respective airports and weather agencies to ensure passenger safety.
Passengers traveling to and from storm impacted airports should confirm with their airlines for updates. Disruptions are anticipated for at least the next few days until the storm passes from Vietnam’s central and northern provinces.
Severe weather anticipated
The Aviation Meteorological Centre recently announced that Kajiki is a strong, extensive and rapidly advancing storm. An inordinate amount of rainfall is forecasted for several regions from the night of August 24 until August 26 due to this storm. The Northern Delta, southern regions of Phu Tho, and many areas from Thanh Hoa to Hue are likely to receive rainfall of 100 to 150 mm, with some areas receiving significantly greater amounts (over 250 mm).
In central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri, rainfall could be as high as 200 to 400 mm, with some areas forecasted to have over 700 mm of rain. There are also warnings that downpours greater than 200 mm in three hours may occur during the same storm event. The potential rainfall amounts are likely to increase flooding, landslides and sustained flight delays for the direction of the storm.
Vietnam plans evacuation
Vietnam has announced plans to undertake a mass evacuation of over 586,000 people in central provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue and Da Nang due to Typhoon Kajiki. Authorities have started by cancelling sea activities in the province of Nghe An since the early hours of August 24. Other local authorities sent alerts for fishing vessels to report back to shore from Vietnamese border guards firing warning flare signals to avert storm impact.
Seven provinces by the coast have directed all boats to stay put at port and have strictly banned going out to sea. Published reports say officials have also readied evacuation shelters, including emergency supplies for evacuees, to lessen any risk to life and property.
China’s Sanya shuts down as storm strengthens
Storm ‘Kajiki’ is not only impacting Vietnam but southern parts of China. The resort city of Sanya Hainan has halted public transport, closed shopping centers, restaurants, and has directed any vessels to stop operations too. The city has also raised the emergency response level to the maximum alert level and has issued a red typhoon warning.
China’s weather agencies have advised that Hainan and neighbouring Guangdong province could experience rainfall amounts as high as 400 mm. The authorities are preparing for what they are describing as “worst-case scenarios” and have attempting to prevent death and limit injury.
Disruption throughout the region
The storm is moving west at 20 km/h and has maximum winds of 149 km/h. As meteorologists have stated, the storm could become even stronger, reaching wind speeds of 170 km/h. While we can draw comparisons to previous strong storms such as Yagi that caused millions of losses for Vietnam last year.
For now, the focus is on protecting the people in the affected areas. Airports, airlines, and local authorities are working diligently to minimize the effects of the storm on travel and disrupt normal daily life. Although disruptions to flight operations are unavoidable, safety checks are being reinforced so far as to put the safety of passengers and flight crews ahead of economic concerns.
Conclusion
Storm Kajiki has impacted 10 airports, disrupted flights across the country of Vietnam, and remains a serious problem for both authorities and residents. It is significant that while Vietnam is planning a mass evacuation, China’s Sanya has been shut down in response to Typhoon Kajiki, highlighting the ability of severe weather conditions to disrupt lives and travel throughout the region. The travelers’ advice is clear: stay up to date with airline announcements and be prepared for changes to schedules until the storm passes!
ALSO READ:Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition Bookings Start Tomorrow; Production Raised To 999 Units
