Smartraveller alert: Aussies warned as Typhoon Kalmaegi bears down on Vietnam, CambodiaMatt ShrivellThe NightlyWed, 5 November 2025 8:41AMCommentsComments
The Australian government has issued urgent warnings for people travelling to Vietnam and Cambodia as Typhoon Kalmaegi continues to wreak havoc across Asia.
Smartraveller has advised caution after the destructive weather cell smashed the Philippines and is expected to hammer other popular tourist destinations.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been on the move across the Philippines with at least 40 deaths confirmed and the toll continuing to rise.
The impending arrival of the typhoon in Vietnam and Cambodia is likely to affect travel in and out of the countries and those already on the ground are being told to prepare an evacuation plan.
“Tropical Cyclone Kalmaegi is expected to impact Vietnam in coming days. Heavy rain and dangerous winds are expected, which may cause flash flooding and landslides,” the Smartraveller advice reads.
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“Transport, including airport closures and flight cancellations, along with essential services, may also be affected. If you’re travelling, contact your airline or travel provider. Check media for updates and follow the instructions of local authorities.
“Know your accommodation’s evacuation plan. Check media for updates and follow the instructions of local authorities.”
As the storm bears down with winds estimated to gust as high a 180km/h, tourists are being told to expect issues with internal travel, utilities and the strong chance of dangerous landslides.
“Road accidents are a major cause of injury. Be alert at all times on the roads.
“During rainy season (June to November), floods, typhoons, and severe weather can disrupt essential services, power, transportation and infrastructure. Landslides and major flooding can occur.”
Provincial information officer Ainjeliz Orong told AAP that Cebu had been one of the hardest hit areas in the Philippines with most of the deaths recorded there.
“Search and rescue efforts continue and there are missing and unaccounted individuals,” Orong said in a phone message, adding the deaths were due to drowning and falling debris.
The typhoon was expected to leave the Philippines late on Wednesday or early Thursday.
More than 180 flights to and from the affected areas were cancelled on Tuesday, while those at sea were advised to head to the nearest safe harbour immediately and to stay in port.
The Vietnamese government said on Tuesday that it was preparing for the worst-case scenario as it braced for Kalmaegi.
The typhoon is forecast to make landfall on Thursday night in Vietnam’s central regions, which have already suffered heavy floods.
“This is a very strong typhoon, which continues to strengthen after entering the East Sea,” the government said in a statement, referring to the South China Sea.
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Along with the imminent issues surrounding the massive typhoon, Smartraveller continues to advise Australians against travel to regions of Cambodia that are experiencing high levels of violence and military action.
“Due to the recent armed conflict along the Cambodia-Thailand border which included military strikes and violence, and the presence of landmines, we continue to advise do not travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the Cambodia-Thailand border in the provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear,” Smartraveller said.
“We now advise reconsider your need to travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the Cambodia-Thailand border in the provinces of Battambang, Pailin, Pursat, and Koh Kong due to recent armed conflict.
“Follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media for updates and pay close attention to your personal security.”
With AAP.
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