Vietnam is bracing for massive destruction after Typhoon Kalmaegi swept across its coast late Thursday, bringing powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and large waves just days after leaving over 100 people dead in the Philippines.
The storm, one of the most intense to hit Southeast Asia this year, forced widespread evacuations, airport closures, and the deployment of hundreds of thousands of soldiers to assist in rescue operations.
Authorities said the typhoon struck at 7:29 pm local time (12:29 GMT), lashing the central highland provinces of Dak Lak and Gia Lai with fierce winds and torrential rain.
Within minutes, homes began to collapse and families were trapped by floods, prompting urgent distress calls from residents. The storm has also disrupted communication networks and power lines in several regions.
The government said more than 260,000 soldiers and 6,700 vehicles, including aircraft and specialized rescue equipment, are being used to help victims. “We must reach isolated areas and ensure people have food, drinking water, and essential supplies,” Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said during an emergency meeting. “No one should be left hungry or cold.”
People took shelter in evacuation centres on Thursday after flooding destroyed homes in Cebu, Philippines the day before.PHOTO/EPAThe National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned that waves on the South China Sea could reach up to eight metres, threatening fishing boats and coastal settlements.
Authorities fear extensive flooding and landslides in at least seven provinces within the next few hours, as heavy rainfall continues to intensify.
Residents in Quy Non and surrounding areas reported shattered windows, uprooted trees, and damaged buildings as the storm tore through both urban and rural zones.
In Dak Lak, which lies roughly 350 kilometres northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, people described scenes of chaos as roofs were ripped away and streets flooded within minutes.
The storm’s arrival in Vietnam follows its devastating impact in the Philippines, where authorities confirmed at least 114 deaths and thousands displaced.
Known locally as Typhoon Tino, it caused catastrophic flooding on the island of Cebu and nearby provinces, where vehicles and debris were swept through towns. Survivors described scenes of destruction, with entire neighbourhoods wiped out.
“We don’t have any home anymore,” said Mely Saberon from Talisay City, one of the hardest-hit areas. “We weren’t able to salvage anything from our house. We didn’t expect the surge of rain and wind. We’ve experienced many typhoons before, but this one was different.”
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of emergency early Thursday, citing widespread loss of life, property destruction, and disruption to livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Vietnam continues to grapple with severe rains and floods that have already submerged parts of the historic towns of Hue and Hoi An. Streets have turned into canals, with residents paddling wooden boats to move through flooded neighbourhoods.
Meteorologists have warned that Kalmaegi could cause sea levels to rise by up to six metres in some coastal provinces, potentially capsizing fishing boats and destroying aquaculture farms.
Deputy director Nguyen Xuan Hien urged citizens to remain vigilant, recalling how Typhoon Damrey in 2017 caused widespread devastation even at a lower intensity.
Thailand has also issued weather alerts, warning communities to prepare for flash floods, landslides, and overflowing rivers as Kalmaegi continues its destructive path across the region.
