Typhoon Kalmaegi Pounds Central Vietnam After Deadly Rampage in the Philippines

Typhoon Kalmaegi Strikes Central Vietnam

Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall on Thursday in central Vietnam after unleashing catastrophic floods in the Philippines earlier this week. Authorities evacuated thousands from coastal and low-lying areas as the storm — packing sustained winds up to 149 km/h (92 mph) and stronger gusts — moved inland.

Severe impact in the Philippines

The storm carved a destructive path through the central Philippines, where emergency services say at least 140 people were killed and 127 remain missing after unprecedented flooding swept through towns and cities. Floodwaters carried away vehicles, riverside shacks and even shipping containers. The Philippines has declared a state of national calamity, and more than 500,000 people remain displaced.

Vietnam braces for further damage

Kalmaegi struck late Thursday as parts of central Vietnam were still reeling from more than a week of record rains and floods that had already killed at least 47 people and submerged historic sites, including UNESCO-listed Hue and Hoi An. State media reported that over 7,000 people had been evacuated from Gia Lai province alone by Wednesday night.

"The wind is so so strong, nothing can resist," said Vu Van Hao, 48, as he inspected broken windows in a hotel lobby. "This is a natural disaster — what can we do?"

Local officials reported door-to-door evacuations in coastal districts, dozens sheltering in schools, and major disruptions: schools closed in several provinces, at least five airports temporarily shut and dozens of flights rerouted. Heavy rain since late October inundated cities, turning streets into canals and breaking national 24-hour rainfall records — with as much as 1.7 metres (5 ft 6 in) reported in one location.

Wider context and risks

Vietnam, with more than 3,200 km of coastline and about 2,300 rivers, is highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones and flooding. Kalmaegi is forecast to be the 13th storm to affect the country in 2025. Scientists warn that warming seas and a moister atmosphere driven by human-induced climate change are increasing the intensity and rapid intensification of tropical storms, producing stronger winds and heavier rainfall.

Natural disasters this year in Vietnam have left 279 people dead or missing and caused over $2 billion in damage, according to the national statistics office. Authorities continue search-and-rescue efforts and are mobilizing relief resources as rain and flood risks persist.

Sources: AFP reporting; Vietnam environment ministry; national authorities.