Typhoon Kalmaegi Rampages Across Vietnam as the Philippines Prepares for a New Storm
Typhoon Kalmaegi slammed into Vietnam with fierce winds and torrential rains, claiming at least five lives and damaging thousands of homes before weakening into a tropical storm. The storm caused extensive flooding and destruction across the country’s central provinces.
In the Philippines, devastation was even greater — at least 188 people were reported dead as Kalmaegi battered central regions. Scientists warn that rising global temperatures are intensifying tropical storms and rainfall throughout Southeast Asia, leading to more destructive and frequent floods.
“A warming climate is intensifying storms and rainfall across Southeast Asia, making floods and typhoons increasingly destructive and frequent.”
Scenes of Destruction
- In Dak Lak, Vietnam, a damaged building blocked a main road following the storm’s landfall.
- In Talisay, Cebu Province, the typhoon destroyed homes beside the Mananga Bridge.
- Relatives and friends mourned as they viewed coffins in Bacayan, Cebu Province, after the disaster.
These tragic scenes underscore the growing impact of severe weather events likely linked to climate change across the region.
Author’s Summary
Kalmaegi’s trail of destruction across Vietnam and the Philippines highlights Southeast Asia’s mounting vulnerability to stronger, climate-fueled typhoons.