Highlights
- Kalmaegi killed at least 188 people in the Philippines while a number of people are still unaccounted for.
- The storm hit Vietnam on Thursday night, where it took the lives of five people and injured seven others.
- Nearly 2,800 houses have been damaged or destroyed in Vietnam while 1.3 million people are without electricity.
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the Philippine provinces hit by the disaster that he would send aid and make plans for fast rebuilding.
- The officials are warning that the heavy rains are not over yet, and they fear that there will be more floods and landslides.
Typhoon Hits Vietnam Hard
Typhoon Kalmaegi arrived in Vietnam late Thursday night with very strong winds and heavy rain. The storm hit the central part of the country where it broke the windows of houses, schools, and farms. It uprooted trees and destroyed metal roofs. The wind howled loudly which made the situation even more terrifying. Power lines were damaged, thus, the area was without electricity for more than 1.3 million people.
The authorities report that the storm has caused five fatalities, and seven people were injured. Approximately 2,800 houses were either damaged or destroyed. The trees that had been uprooted blocked the roads, therefore, the rescue workers went by boats and machines to deliver the people in the flooded areas. The railway in Quang Ngai was also damaged, thus, all train services in the region were stopped.
Great Loss in the Philippines
Kalmaegi typhoon did not spare Vietnam, but before that, it has hit the Philippines hard and made a great loss. The death toll is at least 188, and many people are reported missing. Villages were inundated and houses that were located near rivers were swept away. Some families lost their whole livelihoods, including animals and food. The only way to get to the areas that have been blocked by floods and landslides is by helicopters.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that he would be visiting the provinces affected by the storm to see the damage and meet the survivors. He assured the people that he would bring the help fast and that he would be rebuilding the houses and roads. Hospitals are crowded with people who are injured, and the rescue teams are still looking for those who have disappeared. Besides, the government has also issued a warning about another storm that may be coming soon, thus, there is more fear and anxiety among the people.
Worries About Flooding and Recovery
The officials of Vietnam said that more heavy rain is expected, and in some regions, it may reach up to 200 millimeters. This will certainly cause floods and landslides that will destroy farms and houses again. The majority of farmers in the Central Highlands are worried about their coffee crops. One of the earth’s major coffee consumers is Vietnam, and it is what the country is exporting most; if plants get flooded, it will be devastating.
In an effort to rescue the people and clean up the mess after the storm, more than 268, 000 soldiers and rescue workers have been deployed. They provide the water, the food, and the shelter to the people who have lost their homes. Hence, the schools and temples, which are used as shelters, became the most important places as safety enclaves. The people are waiting for the weather to improve so that they will have the ability to begin rebuilding again. Both Vietnam and the Philippines are not strangers to typhoons; they are used to facing these storms every year.
FAQs
Q: What caused the deaths and damage?
A:Along with the heavy rains, the typhoon brought very strong winds.
Q:How many people died in Vietnam?
A:There were five people who lost their lives in Vietnam.
Q: How many homes were damaged in Vietnam?
A: More than 2,800 homes were either damaged or destroyed.
Q: What happened in the Philippines?
A: At least 188 people have died, and there are still a lot of people missing.
Q: What do officials worry about next?
A: Officials are concerned about more rain and that it could be followed by floods or landslides.
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