Typhoon Kalmaegi kills at least 26 in Philippines, heads to Vietnam
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Coast guard personnel assist in evacuating residents along coastal areas of San Julian in central Philippines on Nov 3.
PHOTO: AFP
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MANILA - At least 26 people were killed when Typhoon Kalmaegi hit the central Philippines on Nov 4, the country’s civil defence office said, as torrential rains, strong winds and storm surges forced tens of thousands to evacuate from their homes.
With sustained winds of 150kmh and gusts of up to 205kmh, Kalmaegi, locally named Tino, is forecast to move across the Visayas and emerge over the South China Sea by Nov 5.
Tens of thousands of residents were evacuated across the Visayas region, including parts of southern Luzon and northern Mindanao, and one person had died, the national disaster agency reported.
A video on DZRH radio’s Facebook page showed homes in Talisay City completely submerged, with only rooftops visible. Similar scenes in parts of Cebu City, where vehicles and streets were underwater, circulated on social media.
Weather agency Pagasa said the combined effects of Kalmaegi and a shear line – a weather phenomenon that occurs when cold and warm winds converge – brought heavy rains and strong winds over the Visayas island group and nearby areas.
“Due to interaction with the terrain, Tino may slightly weaken while crossing Visayas. However, it is expected to remain at typhoon intensity throughout its passage over the country,” Pagasa said in a morning bulletin.
More than 160 flights to and from affected areas have been cancelled, while those at sea were advised to head to the nearest safe harbour immediately and to stay in port.
In Southern Leyte, disaster officials evacuated residents from low-lying and coastal areas, the Philippine Coast Guard said.
Pagasa warned of a high risk of “life-threatening and damaging storm surges” that could reach over 3m high along coastal and low-lying communities in central Philippines, including parts of Mindanao.
The Vietnamese government also said on Nov 4 that it was preparing for the worst-case scenario as it braced for the impact of Kalmaegi.
The typhoon is forecast to make landfall on Nov 6 in Vietnam’s central regions, which have already suffered heavy floods that killed at least 40 people and left six others missing over the past week.
“This is a very strong typhoon, which continues to strengthen after entering the East Sea,” the government said in a statement, referring to the South China Sea.
Kalmaegi comes as the Philippines, which is hit by an average of 20 tropical storms each year, is recovering from a run of disasters, including earthquakes and severe weather events in recent months.
In September, Super Typhoon Ragasa swept across northern Luzon, forcing government work and classes to shut down as it brought fierce winds and torrential rain. REUTERS, AFP
