Hanoi, Nov. 7 -- Storm Kalmaegi, the 13th to hit Vietnam this year, weakened into a tropical depression on November 7 after wreaking havoc across the central and Central Highlands regions, where authorities are now making all-out efforts to address its aftermath and restore normal life.

According to Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA), the storm left five people dead and six injured. As of 7 a.m. on November 7, 52 houses had collapsed and 2,593 others were damaged or unroofed, including 2,412 in Gia Lai province. Nine fishing vessels were reported sunk.

In Dak Lak province alone, the storm destroyed 12 houses, unroofed 326, and flooded 147. About 54,000 aquaculture cages were damaged, with estimated losses of 21 billi...