Central Vietnam braces for powerful storm Kalmaegi as authorities ramp up preparedness

In Khanh Hoa Province, more than 300 fishing boats carrying over 3,000 crew members have sought shelter on islands in Vietnam's Truong Sa (Spratly) Special Zone, local authorities said on Tuesday.

Islands such as Song Tu Tay, Sinh Ton, Truong Sa, and Da Tay have provided over 20,000 liters of fresh water, food, and temporary accommodations for stranded fishermen.

Military units and local residents on the islands have reinforced shelters, secured boats, and prepared for emergency rescues as the storm is expected to persist for several days.

Search-and-rescue teams across the archipelago remain on high alert.

Nguyen Thanh Phu, director of the Khanh Hoa Department of Construction, said 24-hour monitoring teams have been deployed in high-risk areas like the Khanh Le, Khanh Son, and Ngoan Muc passes to respond quickly to possible landslides.

Schools in the province have been instructed to close if safety cannot be ensured.

In Dak Lak Province, the Department of Education and Training ordered schools in coastal and low-lying areas to suspend classes from Wednesday afternoon through Friday to protect students and teachers.

The department's deputy head Nguyen Xuan Da said schools must maintain contact with parents, protect essential records, and move equipment to higher ground if needed.

In Gia Lai Province, supermarkets and convenience stores in Quy Nhon saw heavy crowds on Tuesday night as residents stocked up on essentials such as instant noodles, canned food, and bottled water in preparation for potential power cuts and prolonged rainfall.

Kalmaegi entered the East Vietnam Sea early on Wednesday, becoming the 13th storm to form in the region this year, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

At 7:00 am on Wednesday, the storm's center was located about 500 kilometers east of Song Tu Tay Island, with sustained winds of 134-149 kph and gusts reaching 201 kph while moving west-northwest at 20 kph.

By Thursday, the storm is forecast to be about 480 kilometers east-southeast of Gia Lai Province before moving toward the central and south-central coast.

It may make landfall between Da Nang City and Khanh Hoa Province from Thursday evening.

Mai Van Khiem, director of the forecasting center, warned that Kalmaegi could bring extremely strong winds and waves up to 10 meters high, urging vessels to seek immediate shelter.

The central East Vietnam Sea, including parts of Truong Sa Special Zone, may experience winds of 118-166 kph, gusting up to 220 kph.

The coastal provinces from Da Nang to Khanh Hoa could face similar conditions, while inland areas may see winds between 89 and 133 kph.

The combination of high tides, strong winds, and heavy rain is expected to cause coastal flooding and damage to seawalls.

From Thursday to Saturday, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong may receive 200-400 mm of rain, with some areas exceeding 600 mm.

Northern localities such as Hue and Quang Tri could see 150-300 mm, with local totals topping 450 mm.

Flood levels on central Vietnam's rivers may rise to alert level 2 or 3, with particular concern for Gia Lai and Dak Lak.

Khiem warned that Kalmaegi's wide circulation could trigger thunderstorms, tornadoes, and powerful gusts before and during landfall, urging authorities and the public to stay alert and follow official updates closely.