Typhoon Kalmaegi makes landfall in Vietnam | DW News

Key Concepts

• Typhoon Kalmegi: A powerful typhoon that made landfall in Vietnam.
• Landfall: The point where a storm crosses from the sea onto land.
• Storm Surge: An abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tide.
• Disruptive Shear: Changes in wind speed or direction with height, which can weaken a typhoon.
• Super Typhoon: A typhoon that reaches Category 4 or 5 strength.
• Topography: The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features over an area.
• Flash Floods: Sudden, violent floods that occur shortly after heavy rainfall.
• Mudslides: The rapid downhill movement of soil and rock.

Typhoon Kalmegi's Impact on Vietnam

Landfall and Initial Devastation

Typhoon Kalmegi made landfall in Vietnam with winds reaching up to 150 kilometers per hour and causing torrential rains. This powerful storm, considered one of Asia's strongest this year, struck Vietnam's east coast on Thursday. The typhoon had intensified over the South China Sea before hitting the central provinces of Daklak and Jalai with high waves and winds of up to 150 km/h.

Preparations and Evacuations

In anticipation of the storm, hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated from their homes. Coastal cities braced for impact, with fishermen in Da Nang, a major port city, working to secure their vessels and assets. The local sentiment highlighted the seriousness of the threat, with one individual stating, "It would be devastating if the storm hit us directly. Even if it misses us, the wind will still be category 10 strong. That's why we can't take it lightly and are getting ready to protect our boats and our assets."

Immediate Consequences

The typhoon caused widespread damage, including uprooted trees, torn-off roofs, and shattered glass. Six airports were shut down, affecting hundreds of flights. Tragically, three fishermen were reported missing after their boat was swept away by strong waves. Weather services issued warnings of heavy flooding in low-lying areas and the potential for landslides due to the fierce winds and torrential rain.

Meteorological Analysis and Expert Insights

Unprecedented Strength for the Region

Meteorologist Matthew Kapuchi described the landfall as "the strongest landfall on record for this part of central Vietnam." He noted that this region typically does not experience storms exceeding Category 1 or 2 strength, whereas Kalmegi made landfall as a Category 3 storm with winds estimated between 170-180 km/h.

Projected Impacts

Kapuchi anticipated a storm surge of 1 to 2.5 meters, rainfall of 20 to 35 cm, and the possibility of tornadoes, referencing a similar occurrence with an earlier typhoon in September. He expressed particular concern for the Da Nang area, which had previously been hit by Typhoon Noru (Category 2) in 2022, and noted that Kalmegi was likely stronger.

Topographical Concerns and Flooding Risks

The mountainous inland topography of Vietnam was identified as a factor that favors flooding, landslides, and mudslides as the storm's remnants move inland. Kapuchi emphasized that flooding would be a "high-end concern" as the storm progressed.

Comparison with the Philippines

While the storm caused at least 140 deaths and widespread devastation in the Philippines, the concern for Vietnam shifted towards flooding due to its topography. Kapuchi explained that Vietnam's landscape funnels water into gullies and valleys, and its population distribution, with communities often situated along riverbanks, increases vulnerability. He contrasted this with the Philippines, where infrastructure is more fortified against winds, but heavy rainfall was the primary concern.

Vietnam's Storm History

Kapuchi pointed out that central Vietnam has not historically experienced storms of this magnitude. The previous record for Vietnam was a high-end Category 3 to low Category 4 storm (Typhoon Yagi) in September in the far north.

Weakening Factors

A slight weakening of Kalmegi on its final approach to Vietnam was attributed to "disruptive shear or changing winds with height out of the northwest." Despite this, it remained a "pretty high-end storm for that region."

Regional Forecast and Future Threats

Ongoing Storm Season

The discussion highlighted that Vietnam is still within its storm season. Following Kalmegi, attention shifts back to the Philippines.

Typhoon Fong Wong

Another storm, named Fong Wong, was observed approximately 1,000 kilometers east-northeast or east-southeast of the Philippines. This storm was already strengthening rapidly and was expected to become a super typhoon (Category 4 to 5 strength).

Potential Impact on the Philippines

Fong Wong was predicted to impact the far northern part of Luzon or the Batanes Islands between Sunday and late Monday/early Tuesday. The impact would depend on its trajectory: a landfall in the mountainous and sparsely populated northeast Luzon would minimize the population at risk, whereas a shift towards the Batanes Islands, which had recently experienced another typhoon, would expose more people.

Aftermath and Ongoing Response in Vietnam

Damage Assessment and Casualties

Ferdinand Himawan, reporting from Jakarta, confirmed that Typhoon Kalmegi hit Vietnam the previous night, lasting for six hours from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. local time. While the typhoon weakened after landfall, it caused widespread damage, including in Daklak and Galai provinces, leading to rising sea levels and flooding. Numerous houses were severely damaged. As of the morning report, the typhoon had dissipated and was moving away from Vietnam.

Official Statements and Fatalities

While the Vietnamese government was still addressing the aftermath, there was no official statement on casualty figures or extensive damage. However, state-run media reported one fatality due to a house collapse.

Rescue and Relief Efforts

The Vietnamese government had deployed over 260,000 soldiers for search and rescue operations to manage the aftermath of the disaster.

Future Storm Threats in Laos

Remnants Moving Inland

The remnants of Typhoon Kalmegi were predicted to move into southern Laos over the weekend.

Nationwide Alert in Laos

Lao authorities had issued a nationwide alert and urged citizens to prepare for potential flash floods, rising sea levels, and flooding in the area.