After Typhoon Kalmaegi’s path of devastation across the Philippines and Vietnam this immense natural disaster has left over 560,000 people displaced. The storm brought relentless downpours and violent winds, resulting in unprecedented flooding throughout the area. In the Philippines, the disaster resulted in at least 114 deaths. As Kalmaegi struck the coast of Vietnam, it unleashed strong winds and rain across the region. These toxic conditions were dangerous to many of the communities surrounding Polluters row as well.
In Cebu City, as well as nearby cities and towns across central Philippines, the storm’s impact was particularly devastating. Kalmaegi unleashed an incredible 495 mm (19.5 inches) of rain – roughly the amount normally seen in a month and a half – in just one day, on Tuesday alone. This onslaught led to rivers and streams quickly rising above their banks, producing widespread flooding that washed away vehicles and flooded residences. With much of the country’s rescue and relief efforts still ongoing amid the devastation, the Philippine government has called for a state of emergency.
Impact on the Philippines
The aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi in the Philippines has left hundreds dead with immense losses and challenges ahead for residents already grappling with a disaster. The flooding in Cebu City forced nearly 450,000 villagers into emergency shelters, while many others were displaced from their homes. In exceedingly hot conditions, the torrential rains not only washed away property and possessions but changed day-to-day life for thousands.
The storm’s unprecedented ferocity quickly left federal and state authorities unable to keep up with the needs of communities impacted by the storm. Rescue teams have been sent to help those cut off by floodwaters. With search operations still ongoing for those missing and presumed dead, local officials are still on high alert, waiting to respond to even more weather-related disasters.
“The wind is so strong, nothing can resist.” – Vu Van Hao
According to accounts, Typhoon Kalmaegi brought with it sustained winds of up to 183 kilometers per hour. It generated winds reaching 220 kilometers per hour in the South China Sea. These conditions not only severely complicated rescue efforts, but endangered critical infrastructure throughout the region.
Conditions in Vietnam
As Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in Vietnam, the storm’s power was evident as it unleashed destructive winds and torrential rain. Waves up to three meters high smashed repeatedly against the sandy shores of the coastal province. At the same time, high winds knocked over trees throughout Dak Lak province. Storms damaged electrical grids, leaving thousands without power for hours at a time. Each community, however, including all communities in Quy Nhon, were equally affected by this disruption.
City workers in Quy Nhon doubled down on bolt-boarding the glass walls with plywood as Typhoon Khanun approached. In any case, the fallout from Kalmaegi proved to be much worse than anyone ever expected. In Quang Ngai province, rescue efforts stopped for three fishermen. Their boat was commandeered by the incoming deluge, and the storm made an already challenging environment even more dangerous.
The Vietnamese government has mobilized impressive resources to alleviate recovery efforts. As communities attempt to rebuild in the wake of the storm’s catastrophic fallout, these same communities are battling tremendous odds.
Ongoing Response Efforts
Typhoon Kalmaegi brought catastrophic devastation. Today, local and national governments are working in an unprecedented fashion to orchestrate relief efforts and support the thousands left homeless by the storm. Emergency shelters have been established to provide refuge for those affected, while search and rescue operations continue for missing individuals.
Given the unprecedented scale of Typhoon Kalmaegi’s impact, Philippine officials have made international calls for assistance through multilateral organizations and neighboring countries. As recovery efforts continue, officials are still working on gauging just how much damage there will be to such key infrastructure and housing.
