HANOI, Vietnam (AP) – Heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding and landslides across parts of Southeast Asia, resulting in at least eight fatalities. This adverse weather is a direct consequence of Tropical Storm Kajiki, which struck land on Monday afternoon in central Vietnam, prompting the urgent evacuation of thousands from vulnerable areas.
In Vietnam, particularly in several northern and central provinces, floodwaters have wreaked havoc. State media reports indicate that seven individuals have lost their lives, while one person remains unaccounted for, and 34 others have sustained injuries. The region experienced nearly 20 centimeters (approximately 8 inches) of rain overnight, with ongoing flood warnings issued for riverside locales.
Additionally, in Thailand, the situation has similarly deteriorated. A landslide in the northern city of Chiang Mai has resulted in one death and another missing person. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Thailand reported that numerous homes had been impacted, with injuries recorded from flash floods and landslides in northern provinces.
Warnings from Thailand’s Meteorological Department emphasize the potential for continued heavy rainfall in northern and northeastern areas. Residents residing in foothills and low-lying regions adjacent to waterways have been cautioned about the possible occurrence of flash floods and further landslides.
The torrential rain continues to be associated with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Kajiki, which made landfall on August 26, 2025. This storm not only impacted Vietnam but also brought winds and heavy rain to China’s southern Hainan Island, where the effects will likely be felt for some time as many areas work to recover from the damage.
Recent scientific research has underscored the increasing threats posed by tropical cyclones in Southeast Asia, attributing the heightened risks to climate change. A study set to publish in 2024 warns that rising sea temperatures will lead to cyclones forming closer to land, intensifying more quickly, and persisting longer, ultimately amplifying the dangers faced by urban populations in the region.
As communities grapple with the immediate repercussions of this severe weather, the broader implications of climate change and its role in exacerbating such natural disasters remain a pressing concern for Southeast Asia's vulnerable regions.
