Viet Nam braces for Typhoon Kalmaegi

The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to work with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and local authorities to ensure safety of irrigation and hydropower reservoirs.

The MoIT was instructed to secure adequate supplies of essential goods and prevent unreasonable price increases.

The Government chief assigned Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to oversee coordinated efforts among ministries and localities.

All fishing vessels must be urgently called to safe harbours. Coastal provinces are advised to restrict or suspend sea activities when necessary. Authorities are to mobilise personnel, equipment, and evacuation plans to relocate residents from high-risk areas before the typhoon makes landfall, and to ensure readiness for rescue operations.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), Typhoon Kalmaegi has entered the East Sea and is moving toward central and south-central Viet Nam. It may directly impact the central coastal provinces from Da Nang to Khanh Hoa, with winds reaching 74-93 mph (Category 1-2 hurricane equivalent), and gusts possibly exceeding 107-115 mph.

Latest forecast models confirm Kalmaegi as a fast-moving and extremely powerful storm. It is projected to reach intensity levels equivalent to Category 3 hurricanes (above Level 13-14) near the Spratly Islands and offshore areas between Da Nang and Khanh Hoa.

At least 58 people were killed after Typhoon Kalmaegi left a trail of destruction in the central Philippines and continued to batter parts of Palawan island on Wednesday./.