Residents in several provinces in the central region have reinforced houses and prepared supplies as Kalmaegi, the 13th storm of the year, is forecast to strike the central region on the evening of November 6 with winds of up to level 15 (167 to 183 km/h). The storm’s centre is expected to move into areas between Quang Ngai and Gia Lai.
In Quy Nhon Ward in Gia Lai Province, an auto showroom used steel bars to reinforce its glass facade and positioned additional vehicles outside as windbreaks. Local families braced metal doors with bamboo ladders and strengthened roofs and walls with steel supports.
Nguyen Huu Tinh, a resident, said his family would remain indoors until the storm passes to ensure safety.
A bamboo ladder used to brace the door
A petrol station in Quy Nhon Nam Ward fortified fuel pumps and said it would remain open during the storm to support rescue operations. Households placed water-filled plastic bags outside their doors as makeshift flood barriers.
Local militia and police helped coastal residents evacuate and secure homes in high-risk areas expected to be hit hardest. Families also stocked up on food and essential supplies.
Eastern areas of Gia Lai and Quang Ngai are forecast to face the strongest conditions, with winds of levels 10 to 13 and gusts of 15 to 16, powerful enough to destroy single-storey and non-reinforced structures. Western districts are expected to see winds of levels 6 to 7 with gusts reaching level 11.
