Typhoon Kalmaegi weakens after leaving nine dead, six injured in central Vietnam
It's reported that floods inundated more than 103,000 houses, mostly in Hue and Danang, two of Vietnam’s leading tourist destinations, 52 houses collapsed and nearly 2,600 were damaged.
THE HANOI TIMES — At least nine people were killed and six others injured as Typhoon Kalmaegi and its circulation hit Vietnam’s central region before weakening into a tropical depression, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and widespread flooding, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
In coastal cities like Danang, waves up to three meters high pounded the shoreline, uprooting trees, damaging homes and knocking out power lines.
The Vo Nguyen Giap–Hoang Sa coastal route, a popular beachside road, was blanketed in sand after powerful waves struck the area. Photo: baodanang.vn
The ministry reported that floods inundated more than 103,000 houses, mostly in Hue and Danang, two of Vietnam’s leading tourist destinations, 52 houses collapsed and nearly 2,600 were damaged.
Local authorities are working to repair essential infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, homes, dykes and reservoirs, while providing food, shelter, healthcare and education for affected residents.
Son Tra Peninsula in Danang city after the storm looks like a desert. Photo: Danang Newspaper
In Dak Lak Province alone, Typhoon Kalmaegi left two people dead and injured two others. Twelve houses were destroyed, 326 houses had their roofs blown off, and 147 were flooded. Economic losses were estimated at more than VND170 billion (US$6.46 million), with severe damage reported at the Bach Dang embankment.
In Quang Ngai, strong winds tore roofs off dozens of homes and caused severe coastal erosion, while in the Gia Lai Province's Quy Nhon Ward, gusts toppled trees and disrupted power and water supplies.
Authorities assist people in Tinh Khe Commune of Quang Ngai Province after Tyhoon Kalmaegi. Photo: Quang Ngai Newspaper
Water levels in river basins remain at alert levels 1–2. The Krong Hnang, Song Hinh and Song Ba Ha hydropower reservoirs are operating to reduce downstream flooding in line with inter-reservoir regulations. Irrigation reservoirs in the central provinces are stable, with no major incidents reported.
In response to the severe damage, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc on November 7 approved an urgent allocation of VND80 billion (US$3 million) from the 2025 central contingency fund to support storm-hit areas.
A house in Dak Lak Province is collapsed due to Typhoon Kalmaegi. Photo: Nongnghiepmoitruong
World Vision to assist 30,000 people
Meanwhile, World Vision International in Vietnam (WVIV) is mobilizing emergency aid for 30,000 affected people and plans to extend assistance to 50,000 individuals, focusing on food, clean water, shelter and livelihood recovery. The organization is appealing for US$1.5 million from international donors to sustain its humanitarian operations.
“Families are overwhelmed. Entire livelihoods have been swept away. We are committed to standing with them, not just today, but through the long and difficult process of recovery,” said Vu Thi Nga, Operations Director of the WVIV.
Kalmaegi is the third major storm to hit Vietnam since August, following Typhoons Kajiki, Bualoi and Matmo, which brought record rainfall and widespread devastation across 18 provinces.
