Hanoi, Aug 26 (AP) — Heavy rains swept across parts of Southeast Asia on Tuesday as a tropical storm reached the shores of Vietnam. The storm caused severe flooding in the capital, tore down billboards, and toppled power poles and trees.
State media in Vietnam reported that what remained of Typhoon Kajiki had weakened into a tropical depression over Laos, with forecasts predicting rain in Thailand as well.
The Vietnamese government had prepared to evacuate nearly 600,000 residents from high-risk regions in the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, and Danang, where more than 152,000 homes faced potential danger. Over 16,500 soldiers, along with 107,000 paramilitary personnel, were involved in evacuation efforts or on standby for search and rescue operations, as reported by state media.
Airports in Thanh Hoa and Quang Binh provinces remained closed on Tuesday after flights were canceled on Monday.
The national weather agency indicated that Kajiki made landfall in central Vietnam with winds peaking at 117 kph (73 mph). The relentless rain prompted warnings for flash floods and landslides.
The storm's fierce impact led to the destruction of billboards and building rooftops, uprooted trees, and downed electrical poles, as reported by state media outlet VTV. It struck on Monday afternoon, coinciding with high tides that caused coastal flooding in the Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces.
Persistent heavy showers continued between the Thanh Hoa and Ha Tinh provinces of central Vietnam overnight. Flooding also engulfed streets in the capital, Hanoi, due to the heavy rainfall.
Vietnam reported one fatality, a man who was electrocuted while preparing his home for the impending storm on Friday.
Prior to hitting Vietnam, Kajiki brought winds and rain to China’s southern Hainan Island.
A study published by scientists last year cautioned that climate change is causing the seas to warm, resulting in cyclones in Southeast Asia forming nearer to land, gaining strength more rapidly, and lasting longer, thereby increasing risks for urban areas. (AP) GSP
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