Summary: The Philippines has declared a nationwide state of emergency after Typhoon Kalmaegi tore through central provinces, leaving at least 114 people dead and 127 missing. The storm unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides, particularly in Cebu province, which was already struggling to recover from a recent earthquake.
Human Toll and Damage
Officials from the Office of Civil Defense confirmed that most fatalities occurred in Cebu, where rivers overflowed and flash floods swept through residential areas. Thousands of homes were destroyed, cars and shipping containers were carried away by floodwaters, and entire communities were submerged.
- 114 confirmed dead
- 127 missing
- Over 700,000 residents affected
- Tens of thousands displaced into emergency shelters
Rescue operations remain ongoing, with military helicopters and coast guard vessels deployed to search for survivors.
Government Response
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency late Wednesday, authorizing immediate release of disaster funds and mobilization of national agencies. The government has appealed for international assistance, with aid organizations already coordinating relief efforts.
Officials warned that the death toll could rise further as floodwaters recede and more remote areas become accessible.
Regional Impact
The typhoon, which made landfall on November 4, has since moved into the South China Sea and is tracking toward Vietnam, where authorities are bracing for additional flooding. Kalmaegi was classified as a Category 5 storm, with sustained winds exceeding 140 km/h and torrential rains that triggered landslides across mountainous terrain.
Outlook
Humanitarian groups stress that rebuilding will take months, if not years, particularly in provinces already weakened by recent natural disasters. The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, faces increasing vulnerability as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of tropical storms.
In short: Typhoon Kalmaegi has left 114 dead, 127 missing, and hundreds of thousands displaced, prompting the Philippines to declare a state of emergency. With widespread devastation in Cebu and surrounding provinces, the disaster underscores the country’s fragile resilience to climate-driven extreme weather.
Typhoon Kalmaegi Picture by OPB
Sources: Channel News Asia CNA; ABC News ABC; The Star The Star; Mathrubhumi Mathrubhumi English; Yahoo News Yahoo News UK.
