HCMC – Typhoon Kalmaegi, the 13th storm to hit Vietnam this year, has strengthened to level 15, nearing super typhoon intensity, with winds of 167–183 kilometers per hour and gusts up to level 17, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) reported.
At 9 a.m. today, November 6, the storm’s eye was around 290 kilometers east-southeast of Quy Nhon (Gia Lai Province). Moving west at 20–25 kilometers per hour, Kalmaegi remains extremely strong and may retain its intensity when it makes landfall between Quang Ngai and Dak Lak late tonight or early tomorrow.
The storm will bring violent winds of levels 13–14, gusting to 17, and waves up to 10 meters high. Disaster risk level 4 has been issued for areas from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, including Ly Son Island, while level 3 applies to coastal provinces from southern Quang Tri to Khanh Hoa.
Heavy rainfalls of 200–400 millimeters, with localized totals above 600 millimeters, is expected from Danang to Dak Lak, while nearby areas could see 150–300 millimeters. Rainfall may ease from November 8.
In response to the storm’s approach, the Gia Lai People’s Committee has issued an emergency directive requiring the evacuation of all residents from high-risk zones before 10 a.m. today. Authorities have been instructed to mobilize maximum resources to complete evacuations and ensure no one remains in unsafe areas.
The province warned that the typhoon could bring winds of levels 12–14, waves 7–9 meters high, and rainfall of 200–400 millimeters, threatening coastal homes, aquaculture cages, and human safety. Local authorities were ordered to enforce evacuation orders, suspend all construction activities, and secure cranes, scaffolding, and high structures.
Reservoirs, including the An Khe–Ka Nak hydropower facility, are being monitored closely, with water levels being lowered to accommodate potential flooding. Military, police, and civil defense forces have been deployed to critical areas for rescue operations and traffic control in landslide-prone zones.
Gia Lai authorities stressed that heads of agencies and local governments will be held fully accountable before the provincial and national governments if loss of life or property occurs due to negligence or failure to act promptly.
