Typhoon Kalmaegi Rampages Across Vietnam as the Philippines Prepares for a New Storm
By Aniruddha Ghosal and Jim Gomez, Associated Press
Devastation in Vietnam
Typhoon Kalmaegi struck Vietnam on Friday with powerful winds and torrential rains, killing at least five people. The storm flattened homes, tore off roofs, and uprooted trees before moving onward into Cambodia later that day.
Philippines Mourns Heavy Losses
In the Philippines, where the same storm had already caused widespread destruction earlier in the week, grieving survivors buried their loved ones and braced for another approaching typhoon. In the province of Cebu, floods left 139 people dead, with many families saying goodbye in makeshift funeral halls.
“I told my family to swim, you will be saved, just swim, be brave and keep swimming,” said Jimmy Abatayo, 53, who lost his wife and nine relatives in Cebu. “They did not hear what I said because I would never see them again.”
Communities Begin Recovery
As the storm moved on, residents in affected towns and villages began recovery efforts—clearing debris, repairing damaged homes, and comforting one another amid the devastation. Across central Vietnam, people worked together to rebuild what the typhoon had torn apart.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of national emergency to manage the crisis and coordinate relief efforts.
Author's Summary
The fierce Typhoon Kalmaegi left deep scars across Vietnam and the Philippines, where grief and resilience now intertwine as communities begin rebuilding from the storm’s destruction.