Typhoon Kalmaegi wreaked havoc in the central Philippines with fierce winds and torrential rains. It has been confirmed to have killed over 140 people and left at least 127 missing. Floodwaters in Cebu province have swept off cars and houses, as well as shipping containers. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of calamity and directed the emergency services to step up their rescue operations.
Unprecedented Floods for Communities
Described as hitherto unprecedented, these floods obliterated whole towns. Most people fled to evacuation centers while soldiers and firefighters rescued stranded citizens. Local authorities reported that thousands lost homes and livelihoods. Relief agencies are providing food, water, and medical supplies to survivors.
Vietnam’s Preparations for Impact
As the storm moved to the west, Vietnam got ready for its impact. Officials evacuated more than 350,000 people from coastal provinces. The national weather bureau put out warnings about waves measuring up to 8 meters and storm surges threatening low-lying areas. Airports canceled almost all flights while the schools were ordered closed. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha had called upon communities to treat Kalmaegi as an atypical storm, and the situation warrants urgent actions.
Conclusion
Typhoon Kalmaegi left devastation across the Philippines, claimed more than 140 lives, and rendered thousands homeless. The storm has now moved towards Vietnam, where authorities are preparing for destructive waves and torrential rains.
