Typhoon Kalmaegi Ravages Philippines, Death Toll Climbs as Storm Targets Vietnam

The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi in the Philippines has risen to 114. Officials confirmed the tragic number on Thursday. Another 127 individuals remain missing. The storm is now heading towards central Vietnam.

Typhoon Kalmaegi devastated central Philippine regions earlier this week. It has since regained strength over the South China Sea. Authorities in Vietnam are now conducting mass evacuations.

Widespread Destruction in the Philippines

The storm caused catastrophic damage in the Philippines. The province of Cebu was among the hardest-hit areas. Receding floodwaters revealed a landscape of flattened homes and overturned vehicles.

Streets were left choked with mud and debris. More than 200,000 people were evacuated before the typhoon made landfall. Many are now returning to find their homes destroyed.

Rescue and recovery operations are the current priority. According to Reuters, officials emphasize the urgent need for debris clearing. This is essential to locate the missing and allow relief operations to proceed.

Storm Regains Strength, Threatens Vietnam

Typhoon Kalmaegi is now moving toward Vietnam. It has intensified over open water. The storm is forecast to hit several central provinces.

Vietnamese authorities are taking swift action. They have ordered the evacuation of approximately 350,000 people. The region includes key coffee-growing areas currently in harvest season.

The storm threatens heavy rains and damaging winds. Widespread flooding in low-lying areas is expected. Operations at eight airports, including Da Nang International, are likely to be disrupted.

The path of Typhoon Kalmaegi underscores the severe and recurring threat of major storms in Southeast Asia, with communities facing a long and difficult recovery ahead.

Thought you’d like to know

What areas in Vietnam are most at risk from Typhoon Kalmaegi?

Several central provinces are in the storm’s path. This includes Gia Lai province and key coffee-growing regions. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to flooding.

How many people are missing in the Philippines?

The national disaster agency reports 127 people are still missing. Search efforts continue as floodwaters recede. The focus is on clearing debris to find them.

Was this the first storm to hit the Philippines this year?

No, Typhoon Kalmaegi was the 20th storm to strike the country this year. It follows other recent disasters, including a significant earthquake in northern Cebu just last month.

What is the economic impact on Vietnam?

The storm threatens major disruption to agriculture. It is hitting during the coffee harvest season. This could significantly impact the local economy.

Why is debris clearing so important after the typhoon?

Clearing debris is critical for two reasons. It helps search teams account for missing persons. It also allows relief supplies and aid to reach affected communities.

Trusted Sources
Reuters, Associated Press, Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Vietnam Central Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control.