Typhoon Kalmaegi Hits Vietnam After Deadly Philippines Strike, Killing 5
Deadly storm strikes Vietnam; Philippines declares emergency for approaching typhoon.
Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in central Vietnam on Friday, resulting in five fatalities and extensive damage across multiple provinces, shortly after causing significant loss of life in the Philippines. The system brought wind speeds exceeding 120 km/h and rainfall totals reaching 600 mm in affected areas, leading to severe flooding and landslides that prompted the evacuation of more than 537,000 residents, many of whom were transported to safety by boat.
Fatalities were reported in Dak Lak (three) and Gia Lai (two) provinces due to structural collapses, while three fishermen remain unaccounted for after their vessel was overwhelmed by high seas near Ly Son Island off Quang Ngai. Infrastructure sustained heavy impact, with 52 houses completely destroyed, nearly 2,600 others damaged, and power supply disrupted for over 1.6 million households. Industrial facilities in Binh Dinh province suffered roof failures and equipment inundation.
In the Philippines, where Kalmaegi earlier claimed 188 lives and left 135 persons missing, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national emergency on Thursday in anticipation of Typhoon Fung-wong (locally designated Uwan). Forecast to attain a diameter of approximately 1,400 km, the approaching system is expected to make landfall in northern Aurora province late Sunday or early Monday, posing risks to the Greater Manila area. Pre-emptive evacuations have moved over 450,000 individuals to shelters.
Also Read: Typhoon Kalmaegi: 59 Lives Lost in Philippines, Nearly 500,000 Displaced
Vietnam has endured an exceptionally severe typhoon season in 2025, with prior systems Ragasa, Bualoi, and Matmo collectively responsible for 85 deaths and economic losses estimated at $1.36 billion. Meteorological experts attribute the increasing intensity of rainfall and storm strength to the effects of climate change across Southeast Asia.
As Kalmaegi dissipates into Cambodia, recovery operations commence in Vietnam, with residents removing debris, restoring utilities, and repairing damaged structures. Regional authorities remain on high alert as Typhoon Fung-wong advances, underscoring the persistent vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather events.
Also Read: Vietnam Flood Death Toll Climbs to 40; Nation Braces for Typhoon Kalmaegi
