Typhoon Halts Vietnam Railway, Stranding Thousands

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Torrential rains from Typhoon Kalmaegi damaged the railway connecting Dak Lak and Gia Lai provinces in central Vietnam, halting train services and impacting thousands of passengers. The Phuoc Lanh–Van Canh section, part of the North–South railway, suffered severe erosion, with over 100 meters washing away, resulting in sagging, unsupported tracks. The collapse left the affected region cut off, accessible only by a newly opened temporary road.

The damage occurred after the storm hit Thursday night, affecting an area over 10 km from the nearest major station and approximately 30 km from Tuy Hoa. The ravaged section resembled a suspension bridge, as the supporting foundation vanished. Efforts to repair the damage are extensive, involving over 300 workers and more than 1,000 cubic meters of stone, transported to the site by freight trains and trucks.

Engineers work quickly to stabilize and restore the infrastructure, but the region's geology complicates efforts. The repair process includes building temporary bridges and reinforcing the foundation with stones. Though rail operations on the section remain suspended, travelers are being bused between stations, and nearly 2,400 passengers have been transferred in the past two days.

The railway authorities have not yet announced when the line might reopen. Passengers can receive refunds, and free meals are offered during transfers. Typhoon Kalmaegi has also damaged other transport routes across central Vietnam, with minor landslides and washed-away bridges exacerbating travel disruptions.

Key Takeaways

• Typhoon Kalmaegi severely damaged a central railway in Vietnam.
• Over 2,400 passengers have been affected, with temporary transfers in place.
• Repairs are ongoing, with no set date for the line's reopening.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-11-10