Typhoon Kalmaegi Devastates Vietnam Following Fatal Rampage in the Philippines

Mon Dec 01 2025 00:31:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Typhoon Kalmaegi has struck Vietnam after leaving behind a trail of destruction in the Philippines, where it caused at least 114 fatalities. The Vietnamese military has mobilized over 260,000 personnel to aid in emergency responses.

Vietnam is facing severe impacts from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has made landfall after wreaking havoc in the Philippines, where over a hundred people lost their lives. Evacuations are underway in Vietnam, with strong winds and heavy rain expected to cause flooding and landslides. Authorities have declared a state of emergency, while preparations are in place to ensure public safety and provide aid to those affected.

Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in Vietnam on Thursday after killing at least 114 people and flooding entire towns in the Philippines. More than 260,000 soldiers are on standby for rescue efforts as winds of up to 92mph (149km/h) hit the country's coastline, according to Vietnamese media and the government's online portal.

Six airports in the country have been forced to close and hundreds of flights are expected to be affected, the government warned. The country, which has already been battling record rains and floods, is now facing one of Asia's strongest typhoons this year.

The typhoon could generate waves of up to 8m (26ft) on the South China Sea, according to Vietnam's weather bureau. The environment ministry stated, the storm is on land, in the provinces of Dak Lak and Gia Lai in a statement quoted by various outlets, including the AFP news agency.

Hundreds of localities in seven cities and provinces are at risk of flooding and landslides in the next six hours. Reports have emerged of damage in various provinces, including roofs torn off homes, shattered hotel glass panels, and uprooted or snapped trees.

In the Quy Non area, fallen trees have blocked main roads, and hotel windows have shattered due to powerful gusts. The typhoon made landfall in Vietnam at 19:29 local time (12:29 GMT). Shortly after, residents in two communes of Dak Lak province called for assistance, reporting homes collapsed or flooded amidst continued strong winds and heavy rain.

Vietnam's military has deployed over 260,000 soldiers and personnel, along with more than 6,700 vehicles and equipment, to support storm relief efforts. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held an online meeting to direct the emergency response, emphasizing the need to reach isolated areas and ensure residents have food, water, and essential supplies.

Before making landfall, Typhoon Kalmaegi, known locally as Tino, caused extensive damage in the Philippines, leading to a state of emergency being declared by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr due to mass casualties and severe property damage.

Vietnam has been dealing with floods and record rains for the past week, with some tourist spots, including the UNESCO-listed city of Hue, affected. Coastal communities are at risk as forecasts indicate a sea-level rise of 4 to 6m (13 to 20ft) that could devastate fishing farms. Thailand is also preparing for the storm's impact, with warnings of flash floods, landslides, and river overflows.