Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in Vietnam on Thursday, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights and the imposition of indoor restrictions. The storm had already swept through the Philippines, resulting in the loss of at least 114 lives.
With wind speeds reaching up to 149 kilometers per hour, Kalmaegi caused significant damage, including the destruction of roofs, uprooting of trees and telegraph poles, and the formation of waves as high as 10 meters along the central coast.
Authorities closed six airports, with over 260,000 individuals in Gia Lai province being relocated to secure locations. This marked the 13th storm to impact Vietnam this year, ranking among the most potent ones.
More than 268,000 soldiers were put on standby for potential search and rescue missions, with concerns raised about flooding in low-lying regions and potential agricultural repercussions, especially for the Central Highlands, a key coffee-producing area.
Ahead of the storm, precautions were taken, such as the closure of establishments and residences near Cua Dai beach close to Hoi An. Meanwhile, near Hue, farmers were still recovering from recent floods that claimed the lives of 47 people.
Vietnam’s aviation sector anticipated disruptions at eight airports, including Da Nang International Airport. Authorities advised airlines and local entities to closely monitor the storm’s trajectory to ensure the safety of passengers.
In the Philippines, nearly two million individuals were affected by the typhoon, leading to the displacement of over 560,000 villagers, with around 450,000 seeking refuge in emergency shelters. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency for the country in response to the calamity.
The aftermath in Cebu revealed extensive destruction, with flattened homes, overturned vehicles, and debris-laden streets. Over 200,000 people were evacuated in anticipation of Kalmaegi’s landfall, with residents now facing the daunting task of cleanup and recovery efforts.
Despite Kalmaegi exiting the Philippine monitoring zone, meteorologists are monitoring a developing storm east of Mindanao that could intensify into a typhoon, posing further risks in the coming days. The impact of Kalmaegi adds to the challenges faced in the region, following a recent earthquake that struck northern Cebu, resulting in casualties and displacements.
