Typhoon Kalmaegi has wreaked havoc in Vietnam, leading to significant loss of life and property. The storm has claimed at least five lives in Vietnam after it hit coastal areas with fierce winds and heavy rainfall. This devastation follows its earlier impact in the Philippines, where the death toll has reached approximately 188.
Impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi in Vietnam
The typhoon made landfall in central Vietnam late Thursday, causing severe damage. It uprooted trees and damaged homes, prompting widespread power outages. According to officials, heavy rainfall, exceeding 200 millimeters, is expected to continue in provinces from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri.
- Casualties: At least 5 dead, 7 injured.
- Homes damaged: Approximately 2,800.
- People without power: About 1.3 million.
In Gia Lai province, local shrimp farm owner Nguyen Dinh Sa reported devastating losses. He explained how around six metric tons of shrimp perished due to seven-meter-high waves and powerful winds, expressing despair over the destruction of his investment.
Government Response and Precautions
Vietnam’s disaster management agency has dispatched over 268,000 soldiers for search-and-rescue operations. They have also cautioned about potential flooding, particularly affecting agriculture in the Central Highlands, a key coffee-producing region.
Aftermath in the Philippines
In the Philippines, Kalmaegi has resulted in considerable tragedy. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited affected areas, distributing assistance and extending government support. Reports indicate that 135 people remain missing while 96 individuals have sustained injuries. The president acknowledged the overwhelming impact of the flash floods.
- Casualties: 188 dead, 135 missing, 96 injured.
- Government response: Ongoing relief efforts and mobilization of resources.
Typhoon Kalmaegi is identified as the 13th typhoon to form in the South China Sea this year. Both Vietnam and the Philippines are highly susceptible to tropical storms, often suffering considerable damage during peak storm seasons.
Future Threats
As recovery efforts continue, the Philippines is bracing for another potential threat. The civil aviation regulator has heightened alert levels in anticipation of Typhoon Fung-wong, which is forecast to intensify and impact the northern regions, including the densely populated capital, Manila.
Authorities continue to monitor weather patterns closely as the region navigates these severe climatic challenges. El-Balad will provide ongoing coverage of the situation as it evolves.
