In brief
Typhoon Kalmaegi, one of the strongest storms of the year, has resulted in over 114 deaths in the Philippines and is now targeting Vietnam. Authorities in Vietnam warn of possible waves up to 26 feet. The Philippine government has declared a state of calamity to facilitate urgent relief efforts as the storm is expected to cause further destruction in the region already affected by severe flooding.
Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has killed at least 114 people in the Philippines, is barrelling towards central Vietnam with increasing windspeeds.
Thousands of people in coastal communities have been asked to evacuate ahead of its arrival, expected to bring waves of up to 8m (26 ft), according to Vietnam's weather bureau.
Kalmaegi is one of the strongest typhoons this year and is likely to cause further devastation in Vietnam, already battling record rains and deadly floods over the past week.
In preparation, more than 50 flights have been cancelled or rescheduled, and six airports in the region have suspended operations.
Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha called Kalmaegi a very abnormal storm, urging local officials to act swiftly.
Earlier on Thursday, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of calamity after the typhoon's trail of destruction. The storm flooded entire towns in Cebu, the region's most populous island, leading to numerous deaths, with 71 reported fatalities and around 127 individuals still missing.
Almost 10 regions will be affected, defining it as a national calamity, President Marcos told reporters.
In the wake of the natural disaster, 400,000 people have been displaced in Cebu. Local emergency responders have described the extent of the flooding as unprecedented, with rivers overflowing and urgent aid requests overwhelming available resources.
As Typhoon Kalmaegi continues on its path, residents are bracing for its arrival while reflecting on the destruction left in its wake.
