More than 586,000 residents were called upon to leave their homes in Vietnam, as Hurricane Kajiki is approaching with winds already reaching 166 km/h and is expected to be further reinforced before hitting the country on Monday morning, according to meteorologists.

The evacuations concern the central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Trri, Hue and Da Nang, while flights have been canceled and departing from fishing and tourist boats.

The hurricane is moving on the Chinese island of Hainan, where rainfall of up to 320 mm is forecast.

According to the BBC Weather, Kajiki may weaken after his arrival in Vietnam, but will hit the country with winds that can reach 200 km/h and 300–400 mm rainfall.

Authorities also warn of tidal waves 2–4 meters high.

The government has asked citizens not to get out of their homes after 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Sunday, and soldiers have already rushed for help.

“The situation is extremely dangerous and is not safe either for vehicles or structures such as tourist or fishing boats and fish farming facilities,” said ministry and environmental officials, according to AFP.

Vietnam Airlines has canceled at least 22 flights to and from central cities for Sunday and Monday.

Authorities are fearing that Kajiki can prove as disastrous as Hurricane Yagi who in September 2024 claimed the lives of hundreds of people in the area, including 300 in Vietnam.