Nearly 270,000 soldiers mobilized as Vietnam braces for Typhoon Kalmaegi
Typhoon Kalmaegi, the 13th storm to hit the East Sea this year, has intensified and is moving toward Vietnam’s central coast. Cities and provinces across the region have activated their highest-level disaster response plans to protect residents and minimize damage as the storm nears landfall.
THE HANOI TIMES — The Ministry of National Defense has deployed massive forces and resources across central Vietnam as Typhoon Kalmaegi approaches, threatening strong winds, heavy rain and flash floods.
Nearly 270,000 officers, soldiers and militia members, along with over 6,700 vehicles and six aircraft, have been put on standby to support evacuation and rescue operations, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
The Ministry of National Defense’s inspection team surveys equipment on board to ensure safe operation as the storm makes land fall. Photos: VNA
Senior Lieutenant General Pham Truong Son, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, led inspection teams to Quang Ngai Province on November 6 to oversee storm preparedness and ensure that residents in high-risk areas are protected before the typhoon makes landfall.
“All forces are fully prepared to respond when heavy rains arrive,” General Son said, emphasizing the army’s readiness to assist local authorities in evacuation, logistics and post-storm recovery.
During the afternoon inspection, General Son and his team visited My A Port in Tra Cau Ward, one of the province’s most flood-prone areas, and reviewed emergency readiness at Armored Battalion 699 (under Danang’s Military Command), Engineer Brigade 270, Division 315, and Ky Ha Port Border Guard Station.
Through field inspections, General Son commended local units for proactive coordination with civilian authorities. Nearly 24,000 fishing boats have been called to shore, while residents were instructed to reinforce homes, secure essential supplies, and monitor landslide-prone zones.
Emergency communication lines, evacuation plans, and shelters have been fully activated as part of the Ministry’s contingency strategy.
Given the typhoon’s intensity and wide circulation, the ministry has mobilized thousands of additional troops, vehicles and rescue equipment to prepare for possible flash floods and landslides across the central region.
Armed forces support key areas to respond to Typhoon Kalmaegi.
In Danang, the Vietnam Coast Guard Region 2 Command has been placed on full alert. Major General Le Dinh Cuong, Commander of the Vietnam Coast Guard, inspected readiness measures and reinforced the "four-on-the-spot” approach, including manpower, materials, command and logistics, to ensure a swift and effective response.
The Coast Guard has also mobilized 13 vessels and eight vehicles for search and rescue missions and strengthened coastal infrastructure and warehouses. Ninety temporary shelters have been prepared to accommodate evacuees if needed.
Pham Duc An, Chairman of the Danang People’s Committee, said the city’s top priority is protecting human life, adding that detailed recovery plans are in place to help residents return home quickly once conditions improve.
As of late afternoon, heavy localized rains had already raised water levels in parts of the central region, with authorities urging continued vigilance as Typhoon Kalmaegi is expected to make landfall within hours.
