The storm, described as "near-super typhoon strength," is targeting the Central Region with catastrophic winds and torrential rain.
CaliToday (06/11/2025): Vietnam was in a state of high alert on Thursday afternoon, launching a massive emergency response as Typhoon Kalmaegi (Storm No. 13), described by authorities as "extremely dangerous," charted a direct path toward its central provinces.
The storm, which has reached Category 14 strength on the local scale (bordering on super typhoon intensity), is moving rapidly. It is forecast to make landfall in a wide and heavily populated area stretching from the coastal hub of Da Nang to the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak.
Forecasters have issued dire warnings that Kalmaegi is expected to maintain its devastating wind speeds as it hits the mainland, posing a significant threat to life and property.
Massive Emergency Response
The Vietnamese government has mobilized at the highest levels. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha signed an urgent national dispatch, demanding all localities "maximize" their prevention and response efforts.
In the storm's immediate crosshairs, the Chairman of Da Nang City has ordered the immediate evacuation of all residents from areas at high risk of flash floods and landslides.
Widespread Disruption
The approaching typhoon has already begun to paralyze regional infrastructure:
Airports Shut Down: At least five airports across the Central Region have announced a total suspension of flight operations to ensure safety.
Military Mobilized: In a race against time, military personnel (Quân đội) have been mobilized across the provinces. Soldiers are reportedly working frantically to help residents conduct emergency rice harvests and reinforce houses with sandbags and ropes (chằng chống nhà cửa).
Dual Threat: Catastrophic Rain and High Tides
The primary threat from Kalmaegi extends far beyond its winds. The storm is projected to unleash catastrophic rainfall.
Torrential Downpour: Widespread totals of 200-400mm (8-16 inches) are expected.
Extreme Localized Rain: Some mountainous areas could be inundated with over 600mm (24 inches), creating an extreme risk of widespread, devastating flash floods and mudslides.
Compounding the national weather crisis, authorities in southern Ho Chi Minh City while not in the direct path of the typhoon are simultaneously battling severe flooding. Seasonal high tides (triều cường), unrelated to the storm, are causing major inundation in low-lying areas of the metropolis, further straining the country's emergency resources.