Typhoon Kalmaegi Makes Landfall in Vietnam
Typhoon Kalmaegi struck Vietnam on Thursday, causing authorities to cancel hundreds of flights and order residents to stay indoors. This occurred two days after the storm ravaged parts of the Philippines, resulting in at least 114 fatalities.
Storm Impact and Weather Conditions
According to the national weather forecaster, Kalmaegi brought winds reaching 149 kilometres per hour. The typhoon damaged roofs, knocked down trees and telegraph poles, and created waves up to 10 metres (30 feet) high along the central coastal region.
Emergency Measures and Evacuations
Authorities shut down six airports and evacuated over 260,000 people in Gia Lai province to safe areas. Kalmaegi is the 13th storm to hit Vietnam this year and ranks among the most powerful. The government deployed more than 268,000 soldiers ready for search and rescue missions.
Flood Risks and Agricultural Concerns
The government warned of flooding in low-lying regions and adverse effects on agriculture, particularly in the Central Highlands, a key coffee-producing area.
Local Impact and Personal Accounts
As Kalmaegi approached, hotels and homes near Cua Dai beach close to the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An were closed. Near Hue, farmers were still recovering from recent floods that claimed 47 lives.
Nguyen Van Rin, a 42-year-old rice farmer, said, [translate:«Kalmaegi will flood us for the fourth time and I am afraid it will be quite bad,»] after guiding his boat through waterlogged roads.
Slow-moving traffic struggled through the flooded streets as residents prepared for the storm's impact.
Summary: Typhoon Kalmaegi caused severe damage and widespread evacuations in Vietnam following deadly flooding in the Philippines, with authorities bracing for prolonged disaster relief efforts.
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