Typhoon Kalmaegi has left a trail of destruction with at least 188 fatalities reported in the Philippines and five in Vietnam, as per the latest updates. After hitting central Vietnam with astonishing wind speeds of up to 149 km/h (92 mph), the storm has now turned its course towards Cambodia and Laos.
Towns along Vietnam's central coast were heavily damaged, with debris scattered everywhere after the storm surged through overnight. The powerful winds uprooted trees, dismantled roofs, and shattered windows, forcing thousands of people to take refuge in public buildings. Authorities have warned of possible flooding in low-lying areas that have already seen record rainfall, claiming the lives of another 50 individuals this past week.
The death toll in the Philippines has soared following the storm's earlier destruction. Initially, up to 114 fatalities were reported, with another 135 individuals still unaccounted for. The Philippine government has declared a state of calamity in anticipation of another incoming typhoon.
Vietnam's military has mobilized over 260,000 personnel and a wide array of vehicles and aircraft for emergency responses, as hundreds of thousands of residents evacuated. In Dak Lak province, the situation is dire, with numerous homes reported as collapsed or severely flooded.
Before inflicting damage in Vietnam, Kalmaegi made landfall in the Philippines causing landslides and heavy floods, especially in densely populated regions like Cebu, where torrential rains led to disastrous conditions. Survivors on higher ground witnessed flooding that swept away vehicles and transformed their neighborhoods into ruins.
Despair flooded the hearts of residents, as many like Mely Saberon in Talisay City lost their homes entirely and had no means to salvage anything from the wreckage.
The ongoing response efforts are critical, with officials emphasizing the need for food and essential supplies for those affected. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for swift action to ensure no one is left without assistance. As these nations grapple with recovery, the lessons and urgency regarding climate-related disasters remain a pressing concern.
Towns along Vietnam's central coast were heavily damaged, with debris scattered everywhere after the storm surged through overnight. The powerful winds uprooted trees, dismantled roofs, and shattered windows, forcing thousands of people to take refuge in public buildings. Authorities have warned of possible flooding in low-lying areas that have already seen record rainfall, claiming the lives of another 50 individuals this past week.
The death toll in the Philippines has soared following the storm's earlier destruction. Initially, up to 114 fatalities were reported, with another 135 individuals still unaccounted for. The Philippine government has declared a state of calamity in anticipation of another incoming typhoon.
Vietnam's military has mobilized over 260,000 personnel and a wide array of vehicles and aircraft for emergency responses, as hundreds of thousands of residents evacuated. In Dak Lak province, the situation is dire, with numerous homes reported as collapsed or severely flooded.
Before inflicting damage in Vietnam, Kalmaegi made landfall in the Philippines causing landslides and heavy floods, especially in densely populated regions like Cebu, where torrential rains led to disastrous conditions. Survivors on higher ground witnessed flooding that swept away vehicles and transformed their neighborhoods into ruins.
Despair flooded the hearts of residents, as many like Mely Saberon in Talisay City lost their homes entirely and had no means to salvage anything from the wreckage.
The ongoing response efforts are critical, with officials emphasizing the need for food and essential supplies for those affected. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for swift action to ensure no one is left without assistance. As these nations grapple with recovery, the lessons and urgency regarding climate-related disasters remain a pressing concern.
