Vietnam and the Philippines are currently facing the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has led to the tragic loss of more than 241 lives. The typhoon first caused flash floods in the Philippines, resulting in destruction to homes and businesses, before moving on to Vietnam where coastal areas experienced winds reaching up to 92mph.
The impact of the typhoon has prompted the closure of six airports in Vietnam, affecting hundreds of flights. The government has mobilized over 260,000 soldiers for potential rescue operations as the country prepares for strong winds, flooding, and landslides.
In the Philippines, memorial services are being held for the victims of the landslides, with over 560,000 people displaced from their homes. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese national weather forecast warns of flooding and landslides in several cities and provinces.
Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, expressed his heartfelt condolences to those affected by the calamity. Reports of severe damage, including roofs torn off homes and shattered glass panels at hotels, have emerged from various provinces in Vietnam.
As Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in Gia Lai province, extensive damage to properties was observed, with furniture strewn about and shattered glass covering the interiors. The Vietnamese government has confirmed the storm’s landfall in Dak Lak and Gia Lai provinces.
The storm’s maximum sustained winds of up to 92 mph have been reported by the Vietnamese national weather center. Evacuations have been ordered in anticipation of the typhoon’s impact, with coastal areas being particularly vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The Philippines has declared a state of national calamity to facilitate emergency response efforts due to the widespread destruction caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi. The disaster marks the 20th tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, following the trail of previous devastating typhoons.
Residents in affected areas are grappling with the aftermath of the disaster, with many facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amidst the widespread devastation. The trajectory of Typhoon Kalmaegi indicates further challenges ahead for both Vietnam and the Philippines as they navigate the recovery process.
