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Tropical Cyclone Kalmaegi, known locally in the Philippines as Tino, is forecast to hit Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and the central Philippines in the coming days, sparking travel warnings and emergency alerts. On Tuesday, the Australian Smart Traveller website said that heavy rain and dangerous winds are expected, “which may cause flash flooding and landslides”. “Transport, including airport closures and flight cancellations, along with essential services, may also be affected,” the website read. “If you’re travelling, contact your airline or travel provider (and) check media for updates and follow the instructions of local authorities.” The cyclone has already triggered mass evacuations in the Philippines, where more than 150,000 people in eastern provinces moved to safer ground as Kalmaegi approached from the Pacific Ocean on Monday. Authorities warned of torrential rains, destructive winds, and storm surges potentially reaching three metres. Kalmaegi was last tracked about 95km southeast of Guiuan town in Eastern Samar province, with sustained winds of up to 140km/h and gusts reaching 170km/h. It is expected to move westward, hitting central island provinces including Cebu, which is still recovering from a devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake at the end of September that killed at least 79 people and left thousands homeless. The Office of Civil Defence said residents living in temporary shelters would be moved to sturdier buildings, while the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned that heavy rains on Negros island could trigger volcanic mudflows on Kanlaon volcano, which has been active in recent months. Eastern Samar Governor RV Evardone referenced Typhoon Haiyan, which killed more than 7300 people in the region in 2013 and flattened entire villages, to stress the importance of caution. “Nobody’s complaining among the residents because of their experience with Yolanda. They know it’s better to be safe than sorry,” he told The Associated Press. Almost 156,000 residents across eastern and southern provinces had been evacuated by Monday night, with disaster response agencies, coast guard search and rescue units, and transport authorities on high alert. Inter-island ferries and fishing boats were banned from venturing into rough seas, stranding more than 3500 passengers and cargo truck drivers, while a number of domestic flights were cancelled. The Philippines faces about 20 typhoons each year, alongside frequent earthquakes and active volcanoes, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. For Australians planning travel, experts warn checking local updates and following authorities’ advice is critical to staying safe as Cyclone Kalmaegi advances.
