Typhoon Vamco strikes Vietnam and the Philippines, showing force of climate crisis
On November 15, Typhoon Vamco struck the coast of central Vietnam with gusts topping 100 kilometers per hour, becoming the latest in a string of storms to hit the country in recent weeks. Following months of harsh drought, the storms have caused widespread flooding and landslides, displacing thousands and killing at least 159 people.
Before hitting Vietnam, Typhoon Vamco struck the Philippines, killing at least 67 people. Many towns remained flooded days after the storm, with rescuers working to help families get out until the water subsides. The Philippines had already been hit last month by tropical storm Saudel and Typhoon Goni, one of the strongest storms to ever hit the archipelago.
Vietnam has also seen intense storms and rain since October 9. The storms have wrecked or damaged at least 400,000 houses and 150,000 people may face food shortages, according to data from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The storms have turned Vietnam into a case study in climate challenges yet again, from sea level rise and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta to the country’s reliance on coal.
Editorial
