Typhoon Kalmaegi threatens Vietnam and Thailand

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi has strengthened into a typhoon and is expected to hit central Viet Nam on November 6-7, bringing heavy rain and a significant risk of flash floods, forest runoff, and landslides to much of Thailand from November 7-10.

The typhoon is currently moving west from the central Philippines and will enter the South China Sea. Once it moves over upper Thailand, starting with the northeast, it will have weakened to a strong low-pressure area but will still cause heavy rainfall. Anticipating the surge, the Royal Irrigation Department is increasing the water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam from 2,300 to 2,400 cubic meters per second, effective 10 A.M local time on Tuesday.

The agency is simultaneously holding back water upstream and diverting it into irrigation canals to minimize downstream impact. Residents along the Chao Phraya River are urged to remain vigilant.