Tropical storm Kalmaegi heads for central coast, Da Nang authorities on high alert

The maximum sustained winds near the eye of the storm reached level 13 (equivalent to 134 - 149 km per hour), with gusts at level 16.

The storm is moving west-northwest at around 25km per hour and may strengthen to level 14, gusting to level 17.

It will likely move toward the central and south-central coast, potentially affecting the areas from Da Nang to Khanh Hoa late on Wednesday night.

By 1:00 am on November 7, the typhoon is predicted to make landfall along the coast from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, sustaining winds at level 12 with gusts up to level 15. It will continue moving west-northwest at 25km per hour.

Due to the storm Kalmaegi’s effects, strong winds of levels 12 - 14 and waves 5 - 10m high have been recorded across the central East Sea since Wednesday morning.

On November 6 and 7, heavy rainfall ranging from 200 - 400mm, with some locations exceeding 600mm, is forecast from Da Nang to Dak Lak. Meanwhile, southern Quang Tri to Hue and Khanh Hoa are expected to receive 150 - 300mm of rain.

Flooding is likely on rivers from Quang Tri to Khanh Hoa, with water levels in Hue and Da Nang projected to be less severe than in the previous event. However, authorities warn of a high risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous and low-lying areas.

In response to the typhoon, the Da Nang authorities have been urgently implementing response measures to minimize storm damage.

Functional bodies have evacuated residents from high-risk areas. Military forces have been deployed to assist with temporary reinforcement efforts along affected shorelines. All 81 fishing vessels have safely anchored in designated storm shelters.

The municipal leaders have proposed adding small boats and canoes to improve access to residential areas that are easily isolated during floods, as well as providing satellite phones and generators for mountainous regions to ensure uninterrupted communication during natural disasters.