Typhoon Kalmaegi, one of the deadliest storms of the year, has moved from central Vietnam to Cambodia and Laos, carrying winds of up to 92 mph (149 km/h). Earlier this week, the typhoon caused significant flooding in the Philippines, resulting in at least 114 fatalities and over 120 people reported missing.
In Vietnam, reports indicate that at least one person died due to a house collapse in Dak Lak province. However, the government’s disaster management site has yet to provide official death tolls or damage estimates. This storm arrives on the heels of severe flooding in central Vietnam that resulted in nearly 50 deaths last week.
In response to Kalmaegi, Vietnam’s military has allocated over 260,000 personnel for relief operations, alongside more than 6,700 vehicles and six aircraft. Several airports and expressways were closed, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents. Following the typhoon’s landfall at 19:29 local time (12:29 GMT), many residents in Dak Lak called for assistance as strong winds and heavy rains persisted, causing damage to homes.
The Vietnamese national weather service has issued warnings of potential flooding and landslides in several provinces. Reports from multiple areas indicate roof damage, shattered glass in hotels, and fallen trees throughout urban and rural landscapes. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed an emergency response, emphasizing the need for food and essential supplies for affected individuals.
Before impacting Vietnam, Kalmaegi wreaked havoc in the Philippines, particularly on the island of Cebu, which experienced unprecedented rainfall over a single day. The storm prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a state of emergency due to the substantial damage and disruption caused.
Vietnam is still contending with floods and record rainfall from the previous week, impacting tourist destinations like Hue and Hoi An. Furthermore, Thailand is preparing for the storm’s consequences, with officials warning of flash floods and landslides.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70jnx9e414o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss