Typhoon Kalmaegi Strikes: Vietnam Evacuates 350,000 as Deaths Rise

UPDATE: Typhoon Kalmaegi has left a devastating mark on the Philippines, claiming at least 114 lives and leaving 127 people missing as the storm intensifies while moving toward Vietnam. The latest reports confirm that authorities are evacuating approximately 350,000 people in Vietnam’s Gia Lai province as the typhoon approaches, raising alarms for imminent flooding and severe weather conditions.

As Kalmaegi regains strength over the South China Sea, it is forecasted to make landfall in Vietnam, threatening critical regions, including key coffee-growing areas. With the harvest season currently underway, the agricultural impact could be significant. Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s financial hub, is bracing for extensive flooding due to predicted heavy rainfall and high tides coinciding with the storm’s arrival. Forecasters warn that parts of the city could receive up to 100 millimeters of rain, creating a risk for low-lying neighborhoods.

Vietnam’s government is mobilizing thousands of soldiers to aid in evacuations, rescue operations, and recovery efforts. With the storm’s potential to disrupt vital infrastructure, operations at eight airports, including Da Nang International Airport, are under scrutiny. Airlines are being urged to closely monitor the developing situation for passenger safety.

The Philippines has been severely affected, with nearly two million people impacted and over 560,000 villagers displaced. The Office of Civil Defence reports that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency in response to the widespread devastation. Cebu province, the hardest hit, reveals flattened homes and debris-laden streets as floodwaters recede.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with officials stressing the urgency of clearing debris to locate missing persons and enable effective relief operations. “The challenge now is debris clearing,” stated Raffy Alejandro, a senior civil defence official. “These need to be cleared immediately to account for the missing and to allow relief operations to move forward.”

As the Philippines grapples with the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, attention turns to a brewing storm east of Mindanao that forecasters are tracking. This potential new threat could develop into another typhoon, raising concerns for further impacts next week.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of preparedness as Kalmaegi’s impacts unfold. Stay tuned for continuous updates on this developing situation as recovery efforts and evacuations intensify across Vietnam and the Philippines.