Typhoon Kalmaegi makes landfall over central Vietnam

Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall over central Vietnam at around 19:00 local time on November 6.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), maximum sustained winds near the center reached Level 12 to 13, ranging from 118–149 km/h (73–92 mph). The storm was forecast to move northwest at around 30 km/h (19 mph).

Storm surges have been reported along coastal Vietnam, with Quy Nhon being the worst-affected region.

According to Meteorologist Robert Speta, around 300 mm (12 inches) of rainfall is forecast along the storm’s path as it moves toward Laos and Cambodia. This will create a significant flood threat across the affected regions, including northern Cambodia and parts of northern Thailand.

Additionally, high-resolution weather computer models indicate the possibility of up to 600 mm (24 inches) in some areas.

Forecasts of up to 150 mm (6 inches) of rainfall are possible in parts of northern Cambodia and in the Thai provinces of Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani.

This comes after Kalmaegi made a deadly landfall in the Philippines, leaving over 240 dead or missing.

It is worth noting that Vietnam has already been battling floods and record rainfall over the past 10 days

Burst riverbanks have flooded some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, including the UNESCO-listed city of Hue and the historic town of Hoi An, where residents have been seen navigating the streets in wooden boats after the Hoai River overflowed.

At least 35 people have been killed in the deluge, according to a recent statement from the national disaster agency. Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported that more than 100 000 homes have been flooded and over 150 landslides have occurred.

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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