Typhoon Kalmaegi claims 58 lives in Philippines; headed toward Vietnam
What's the story
Typhoon Kalmaegi, locally known as Tino, has wreaked havoc in the central Philippines, killing at least 58 people. The typhoon has also left six military personnel dead after their helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur during a humanitarian mission. The storm hit Cebu province, one of the country's major tourist destinations, where it caused widespread destruction with homes destroyed and vehicles overturned as floodwaters receded.
Damage assessment
13 people missing in Cebu province
The disaster agency has reported 13 people missing in Cebu province. More than 180 flights were also canceled, and those at sea were advised to proceed to the nearest safe seaport immediately. The devastation comes on the heels of a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu over a month ago, killing dozens and displacing thousands. After making landfall early Tuesday, Kalmaegi has weakened but is expected to regain strength over the South China Sea, per state weather agency PAGASA.
Preemptive measures
Kalmaegi heads toward Vietnam
More than 200,000 people have been evacuated across the Visayas region, including parts of southern Luzon and northern Mindanao. The storm has submerged homes and caused widespread flooding and power outages. Kalmaegi is the 20th storm to hit the Philippines this year, packing winds of 120kph with gusts up to 165kph. It is now heading toward Vietnam, where preparations are underway ahead of its expected landfall on Friday.
Anticipated landfall
Vietnam braces for deadly storm
Vietnam is bracing for the worst as Kalmaegi approaches its central regions, already battered by heavy floods that killed at least 40 people and left six missing over the past week. The Vietnamese government has warned of potential severe impacts from Kalmaegi, but the specific warning about "life-threatening and damaging storm surges" over three meters high was issued for the central Philippines.