5 dead, 14 missing as Tropical Cyclone “Kajiki” hits Vietnam

At least five people were confirmed dead while 14 others are missing after floods and landslides caused by Tropical Cyclone "Kajiki" hit central Vietnam on September 5, 2019.

The nation's National Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue reported on September 6 that the deadly waters killed three in central Ha Tinh province, one in central Quang Binh province, and one in northern Lao Cai province.

Meanwhile, two of the missing victims confirmed are in Lao Cai province, while another one is in Quang Binh province. The rest of the individuals missing are reported in the provinces of Ha Tinh, Thua Thien-Hue, and Yen-Bai.

The intense rains brought by Kajiki affected the central provinces of Vietnam, particularly from Nghe An to Quang Tri. The said tropical depression worsened the condition in the areas that were previously pounded by Tropical Storm "Podul" over the weekend.

Continuous rains between 250 to 530 mm (10 to 20 inches) left hundreds of houses submerged in floodwaters, prompting residents to seek safety. Over thousands have been evacuated in Quang Tri, reports said.

Vietnam is one of the worst-hit countries by calamities. From January to August 2019, natural calamities left the country with 75 fatalities, 77 others injured, damaged 685 residential properties, destroyed over 19,000 homes, and devastated 36 800 ha (90 934 acres) of crops.

According to the General Statistics Office, the country is facing around 2 200 billion Vietnamese dongs (95 million US dollars) worth of economic losses following the damages caused by storms, floods, and landslides in the country.

Further rainfall of 70 to 150 mm (3 to 6 inches) is forecasted to hit Nghe An and Quang Nam provinces until September 6, 2019.

Featured image credit: Rural Areas