Storm Kalmaegi nears central Vietnam, forecast to hit Quang Ngai–Gia Lai tonight

As of 9:00 am on Thursday, the storm’s center was located about 290 kilometers east-southeast of Quy Nhon City, packing sustained winds of 150–166 kph and gusts up to 220 kph.

Kalmaegi was moving west-northwest at 25–30 kph, about 5 kph faster than on Wednesday.

By 4:00 pm on Thursday, its center is forecast to be about 120 kilometers east of Quy Nhon, still producing winds of 166 kph and gusts reaching 220 kph.

Within the next 12-24 hours, Kalmaegi is forecast to continue moving west-northwest at around 25 kph, make landfall between Quang Ngai and Gia Lai on Thursday evening or night, and then weaken as it moves inland.

Due to the storm, strong winds of 62–117 kph have lashed the central East Vietnam Sea, increasing to 133–166 kph with gusts up to 220 kph near the storm’s eye from Thursday morning.

Waves have risen 5–7 meters high and up to 10 meters near the center, making the sea extremely rough.

Waters from southern Quang Tri to Khanh Hoa have seen winds strengthening from 49 to 117 kph, with waves reaching 3–6 meters and up to nine meters near the storm’s center.

The coastal areas from Thua Thien-Hue to Dak Lak are forecast to see storm surges of 0.4–0.8 meters on Thursday.

Authorities warned of possible flooding in low-lying areas, wave overtopping, coastal erosion, and drainage disruption from Thursday afternoon.

Starting Thursday evening, strong winds are expected to affect inland areas from southern Da Nang to Dak Lak, reaching 88–133 kph, with gusts of 166–183 kph.

The areas from southern Quang Tri to northern Khanh Hoa may experience winds of around 61 kph, with squalls up to 88 kph.

Winds in the western parts of Quang Ngai to Gia Lai are forecast to strengthen to 88 kph, with gusts reaching 117 kph.

Heavy rain is expected on Thursday and Friday across the areas from Da Nang to Dak Lak, with totals of 200–400 mm and localized amounts exceeding 600 mm.

The provinces from Quang Tri to Thua Thien-Hue, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong may receive 150–300 mm, with some places seeing more than 450 mm.

From November 7 to 8, moderate to heavy rainfall of 50–150 mm, locally over 200 mm, is forecast for the areas from northern Quang Tri to Thanh Hoa.

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and strong gusts are likely before and during the storm’s landfall due to its broad circulation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday issued a directive urging ministries, agencies, and localities to take urgent measures in response to the approaching storm.

He called on the provinces from Ha Tinh to Khanh Hoa to act proactively and decisively, giving top priority to protecting lives and minimizing property damage.

The coastal provinces from Da Nang to Khanh Hoa were instructed to guide vessels to safe shelters, impose sea bans if necessary, reinforce houses and dikes, and harvest crops early to reduce losses.

Local authorities were also told to prepare evacuation plans and mobilize rescue forces.