Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in Vietnam on Thursday, resulting in the cancellation of numerous flights and the imposition of indoor restrictions. The storm, which originated in the Philippines and caused the deaths of at least 114 individuals, brought winds reaching speeds of 149 kilometers per hour, causing damage to homes, trees, and power lines. Waves surged as high as 10 meters along the central coast.
Authorities shut down six airports and evacuated over 260,000 people in Gia Lai province to ensure their safety. This marks the 13th storm to hit Vietnam this year, ranking among the most potent ones. The government mobilized more than 268,000 soldiers for potential rescue missions and issued warnings of flooding in low-lying areas, including the Central Highlands known for coffee cultivation.
In anticipation of the storm, businesses and residences near Hoi An’s Cua Dai beach were closed. Meanwhile, near Hue, farmers were still recovering from recent floods that claimed 47 lives. Rice farmer Nguyen Van Rin expressed concerns over impending flooding, having already lost livestock and poultry to previous inundations.
Vietnam’s aviation sector expects disruptions at eight airports, including Da Nang’s international airport. Precautionary measures have been advised by airlines and local authorities to safeguard passengers. Hoi An and Hue were recovering from prior flooding that caused fatalities before Typhoon Kalmaegi struck.
In the Philippines, nearly two million individuals were affected by the typhoon, with over 560,000 people displaced, including around 450,000 seeking refuge in emergency shelters. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency as the devastation unfolded, particularly in Cebu province, where homes were destroyed, vehicles overturned, and streets littered with debris.
Over 200,000 individuals were evacuated in preparation for Kalmaegi’s landfall in the Philippines. Residents returning to Cebu faced the heartbreaking reality of destroyed homes and the arduous task of cleanup. Civil defense officials emphasized the urgent need to clear debris to facilitate rescue operations and account for missing persons.
As communities grapple with the aftermath, the Philippines braces for another potential storm brewing east of Mindanao, heightening concerns for further impacts. The recent calamity adds to the challenges faced by the region following a previous earthquake that struck Cebu, underscoring the resilience required in the face of successive natural disasters.