Typhoon Kalmaegi Threatens Vietnam After Philippines Devastation

Typhoon Kalmaegi was on course toward Vietnam, following a devastating impact in the Philippines with over 100 fatalities and dozens missing. As of November 6, the typhoon advanced with intense rainfall battering the Vietnam coast and violent winds toppling trees in anticipation of a late Thursday landfall. The storm, rare in its strength for November, exhibited sustained winds reaching 183 kph and gusts up to 220 kph over the South China Sea. Forecasts predicted landfall between Quang Ngai and Gia Lai provinces in central Vietnam. Prior floods, driven by record-breaking rains, had already strained Vietnam's central provinces. As Kalmaegi approached, it was expected to bring over 600 millimeters of rain to certain areas. Coastal towns such as Danang and Dak Lak experienced up to 3-meter-high waves and strong winds, resulting in power outages for many homes in Quy Nhon. Ho Chi Minh City faced increased risk from severe flooding, with authorities warning of significant rainfall potentially inundating its low-lying areas. In the Philippines, the typhoon wreaked havoc, claiming at least 114 lives and leaving 127 unaccounted for. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of emergency, facilitating government funds to be quickly deployed and combatting food hoarding or price hikes. Kalmaegi had inflicted severe damage, particularly in Cebu province, before moving on to the South China Sea. In the Cebu town of Liloan, the Espra family mourned as bodies laid in a mortuary, with other family members still missing. The displacement in the Philippines exceeded 560,000 people, with nearly 450,000 finding temporary shelter in emergency accommodations, according to the Office of Civil Defense. There was apprehension over another potential super typhoon approaching from the Pacific, which could also impact the northern Philippines shortly. Concerns were also raised after a Philippine air force helicopter crashed amid a relief mission in southern Agusan del Sur, killing six people. Authorities are investigating the crash's cause. On Tuesday alone, Kalmaegi unleashed over a month's worth of rain on metropolitan Cebu, swamping communities and forcing residents to seek refuge on rooftops as waters rose rapidly. Floodwaters submerged vehicles, and flash floods overwhelmed preparations. Substandard flood control, exacerbated by quarry activities, likely intensified the calamity, though efforts for safety were made, said Cebu Gov Pamela Baricuatro. The Philippines, frequently exposed to natural calamities, faces around 20 typhoons annually, making resilience a continual challenge. Vietnam, similarly battered by consecutive storms this year, also struggles with post-calamity recovery. Typhoon Ragasa, Typhoon Bualoi, and Typhoon Matmo sequentially hit Vietnam recently, totaling over 85 casualties or missing persons and leading to damages estimated at USD 1.36 billion. As climate change escalates storm intensity and rains, countries like Vietnam and the Philippines must brace for even more frequent and destructive flooding. (AP)

RD

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