Typhoon Kajiki has recently made landfall in Vietnam, bringing heavy rains, flooding, and widespread evacuations. As climate change continues to intensify storms, understanding the current situation and its broader implications is crucial. Below, we answer key questions about Kajiki, how climate change affects storms, and what regions are most at risk.
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What is Typhoon Kajiki and how strong is it?
Typhoon Kajiki is a powerful storm with winds reaching up to 166 km/h. It developed rapidly from a weak depression into a major typhoon within just two days, causing significant damage in Vietnam, China, and Thailand. Its strength and speed are partly driven by climate change, which is making storms more intense and unpredictable.
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How is climate change making storms like Kajiki worse?
Climate change leads to warmer ocean temperatures, which provide more energy for storms to grow stronger. It also causes increased moisture in the atmosphere, resulting in heavier rains and more severe flooding. This means storms like Kajiki are becoming more intense, longer-lasting, and harder to predict.
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Which areas are most at risk from flooding and landslides?
Regions in Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, China, and Thailand, are most vulnerable to flooding and landslides during storms like Kajiki. Low-lying coastal areas and mountainous regions face the highest risks, with authorities warning residents to prepare for ongoing heavy rains and potential evacuations.
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How are authorities managing evacuations during Typhoon Kajiki?
Vietnam and neighboring countries have mobilized large-scale evacuations, with over 600,000 people being moved to safer locations. Authorities are also deploying emergency services, setting up shelters, and monitoring weather conditions closely to ensure public safety amid the storm's ongoing impact.
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What are the long-term impacts of climate change on storms in Southeast Asia?
Climate change is expected to continue increasing the frequency and severity of storms in Southeast Asia. This leads to more frequent flooding, damage to infrastructure, and displacement of communities. Addressing climate change and improving disaster preparedness are essential to reduce these long-term risks.