by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

Typhoon Kajiki, described as the most powerful storm of the year, is forecast to hit Vietnam this week.

Vietnamese authorities have taken extensive measures to prepare for the storm, which is expected to bring gusts reaching up to 166 kph (103 mph), and is approximately 110 km (68 miles) in the northern part of Vietnam's central coast.

The storm is expected to make landfall on Monday afternoon, bringing heavy rains, flooding, and landslides.

Airports have been shut down, schools closed, and mass evacuations initiated, according to Reuters.

The typhoon is projected to move inland across Laos and northern Thailand.

Meanwhile, southern China has also experienced strong winds and heavy rain as Typhoon Kajiki passed over open waters.

For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.