Typhoon Kalmaegi has left a trail of devastation across Southeast Asia, killing at least 193 people in the Philippines and Vietnam before barreling towards Cambodia and Laos. The storm, one of the deadliest this year, has caused massive flooding, mudslides, and structural damage, prompting large-scale evacuations and emergency responses.
The typhoon made landfall in central Vietnam on Thursday with winds reaching up to 149 km/h, uprooting trees, tearing off roofs, and smashing windows in coastal towns. Debris littered the streets as thousands sought refuge in schools and public buildings, with the Vietnamese army deploying over 260,000 personnel for relief operations. Authorities have warned of potential flooding in low-lying areas, exacerbating the crisis caused by record rainfall that had already claimed 50 lives in the region earlier in the week.
In the Philippines, the storm’s impact was even more severe, with the death toll soaring to 188 and 135 people reported missing. Heavy rainfall equivalent to a month’s worth in just 24 hours triggered torrents of mud and debris that obliterated poorer neighborhoods, particularly in central areas like Cebu. Cars were swept through streets, and survivors watched in horror as buses and shipping containers were tossed by raging floodwaters.
The Philippine government has declared a state of calamity nationwide as it braces for another typhoon developing in the Pacific Ocean. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr emphasized the scale of the disaster, which involves mass casualties, major property damage, and disruption to livelihoods. Evacuations have displaced tens of thousands, with rescue teams struggling to reach isolated areas.
In Vietnam, the military’s massive deployment included more than 6,700 vehicles and six aircraft, with airports and expressways closed and hundreds of thousands evacuated ahead of the storm. Shortly after landfall, residents in Dak Lak province reported homes collapsing or flooding, pleading for assistance as strong winds and heavy rain persisted. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed emergency efforts, stressing the need to ensure food, water, and supplies for all affected.
Personal accounts highlight the human toll, such as Mely Saberon from Talisay City in the Philippines, who lost her home entirely. “We don’t have any home anymore,” she lamented, noting that previous typhoons had not prepared them for this storm’s intensity. Residents are now engaged in the arduous task of cleaning mud and salvaging belongings from the wreckage.
The typhoon’s rapid intensification and path reflect broader climate patterns, with scientists noting an increase in extreme weather events. As Kalmaegi moves westward, Cambodia and Laos are on high alert, with forecasts predicting further heavy rain and potential flooding. International aid may be mobilized to support the overwhelmed local responses.
Recovery efforts are underway, but the region faces a long road ahead, with infrastructure repairs and humanitarian needs mounting. The event underscores the vulnerability of Southeast Asia to natural disasters and the urgency of enhanced preparedness and climate resilience measures.