Flooding, Landslides, and the Growing Threat of Climate Change

On August 26, 2025, in Hanoi, Vietnam, motorcycles navigated a flooded street, a consequence of Typhoon Kajiki. The Associated Press captured this scene.

Heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding and landslides across Southeast Asia. The aftermath of the tropical storm resulted in at least eight fatalities.

In Vietnam, several northern and central provinces experienced significant flooding. State media reported seven deaths, one missing person, and 34 injuries. Some areas in northeast Vietnam received nearly 20 centimeters of rain overnight. Flood warnings remained in effect for certain riverside regions.

Thailand also suffered from the storm's impact. A landslide in Chiang Mai, a northern city, claimed one life and left another person missing. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported damage to numerous homes and injuries due to flash floods and landslides in northern provinces. The Meteorological Department issued warnings for heavy rain in the northern and northeastern regions. Residents in vulnerable areas near waterways were cautioned about the potential for flash floods and landslides.

The heavy rain was a result of Tropical Storm Kajiki, which made landfall in central Vietnam on Monday afternoon. Thousands of people were evacuated from high-risk areas in anticipation of the storm.

A 2024 scientific study highlighted the impact of climate change on Southeast Asia's cyclones. The study warned that warmer seas would cause cyclones to form closer to land, intensify more rapidly, and persist for longer durations, increasing risks for urban areas.