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Typhoon Kalmaegi Nears Vietnam After Deadly Philippines Strike
Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has already claimed at least 114 lives in the Philippines, is intensifying as it moves toward central Vietnam, where authorities have ordered evacuations along coastal areas ahead of expected 8-meter (26-foot) waves, according to Vietnam's weather bureau.
Vietnam Prepares for 'Very Abnormal' Storm
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha described Kalmaegi as a "very abnormal" typhoon, urging local officials to prioritize emergency measures. Over 50 flights have been canceled or rescheduled, and six regional airports have halted operations as the storm approaches.
The typhoon threatens to worsen Vietnam's ongoing struggles with record rainfall and deadly flooding that have plagued the country in recent weeks.
Philippines Declares State of Calamity
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of calamity on Thursday, citing the destruction left by Kalmaegi and the looming threat of another storm, Uwan, expected to hit over the weekend. "Almost 10 to 12 regions will be affected," Marcos told local media. "With that scope, it's a national calamity."
The declaration grants authorities expanded powers to access emergency funds and expedite relief efforts. Most fatalities in the Philippines resulted from drowning, as torrential rains triggered mudslides and flash floods that engulfed towns and cities.
Devastation in Cebu
Cebu, the country's most populous island, reported 71 deaths, with another 127 missing and 82 injured, per provincial officials. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, and muddy floodwaters destroyed homes, leaving residents like Jel-an Moira Servas, a Mandaue City business owner, in shock. "The rain stopped, but our houses are still filled with mud," she told the BBC. "We don't even know where to start cleaning."
"This is the worst flood I've ever experienced. Almost all the rivers here in Cebu overflowed. Even emergency responders did not expect this kind of scenario."
Carlos Jose Lañas, volunteer rescuer
Over 400,000 people were displaced in Cebu alone, home to 2.5 million. The death toll includes six crew members of a military helicopter that crashed during relief operations on Mindanao island.
Philippines' Recurring Storm Crisis
Kalmaegi, locally named Tino, marks the 20th tropical cyclone to strike the Philippines this year-a country frequently battered by powerful storms. Last month, back-to-back typhoons Ragasa (Nando) and Bualoi (Opong) killed over a dozen people and damaged infrastructure. Earlier, an unusually severe monsoon season caused widespread flooding, sparking protests over inadequate flood control systems linked to corruption allegations.
Thailand on Alert
Thai officials have warned of potential flash floods, landslides, and river overflows as Kalmaegi approaches, adding to regional concerns over the storm's expanding impact.
