Kalmaegi, the third typhoon to hit Vietnam this year, has claimed at least 10 lives and injured even more, and caused huge economic losses since it made landfall in the north on September 16.

Eight of the dead victims are in Lang Son province, while an 8-month child died in Ha Giang when a house collapse, and another death was reported in the northern central province of Nghe An.

Quang Ninh suffered a loss of close to 20 billion VND (950,000 USD), with over 5,100ha of crops under water and 20 fallen utility poles.

After sweeping out of Quang Ninh, Kalmaegi weakened into a tropical depression area and headed to the northwestern region.

In Ha Giang, torrential rain and cyclones wrecked hundreds of houses, including eight schools in Dong Van, Meo Vac, Quan Ba, Hoang Su Phi and Xin Man districts.

The hurricane inundated hundreds of hectares of crops and caused landslides that disrupted traffic in several areas. The damage is estimated at 4 billion VND (190,000 USD).

In Ha Nam, some 16,000ha of paddy fields, 46 percent of all fields, were affected. Only 400ha of fields had been harvested by September 17.

Though Kalmaegi is retreating, occasional gales and rainstorms will continue until September 22, the provincial Meteorological Centre forecasts.

Thai Binh and Ha Nam authorities are taking action to protect the remaining crops and have requested the opening of sluice gates to release excess water.

Army and police forces are on standby in case search and rescue operations are required.

Thai Nguyen, Hai Phong, Bac Kan and Cao Bang provinces are also busy with clean-up efforts and assisting affected households.-VNA