Typhoon Kalmaegi Impacts Vietnam and the Philippines
Typhoon Kalmaegi hit Vietnam with strong winds and heavy rain on Thursday, following a deadly impact in the Philippines where it claimed at least 114 lives and displaced more than 560,000 people.
Fishermen Missing in Vietnam
On Ly Son, an island in Quang Ngai province, three fishermen went missing after their boat was swept away by high waves. A search was initiated but later halted due to deteriorating weather conditions, according to state media.
Evacuations and Flood Risks
- More than 537,000 residents were evacuated, many transported by boat, as rising floodwaters and the threat of landslides endangered central Vietnam.
- The region was already suffering from floods caused by record rainfall prior to the typhoon's arrival.
- Kalmaegi is expected to bring over 24 inches of rain in some locations.
Storm Strength and Damage
Kalmaegi was unusually powerful for a November storm in the area, with sustained winds of approximately 183 kph (114 mph) and gusts up to 220 kph (137 mph) over the South China Sea.
- Coastal cities such as Danang faced waves up to 3 meters (10 feet) high.
- Strong winds uprooted trees in Dak Lak province.
- Homes in the coastal city Quy Nhon experienced extended power outages.
- Ho Chi Minh City, the financial center, remained at heightened risk of severe flooding.
"Typhoon Kalmaegi lashed Vietnam with fierce winds and torrential rains as it made landfall on Thursday after leaving more than 100 people dead and dozens missing in the Philippines." – Associated Press
Summary: Typhoon Kalmaegi caused significant destruction in the Philippines and Vietnam, with numerous deaths, missing persons, large-scale evacuations, and severe weather challenges in both countries.