Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has officially declared a state of calamity following the devastating impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi, one of the most powerful storms to hit the nation this year. The typhoon has caused catastrophic flooding in the central Philippines, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 114 lives.
The island of Cebu, the most populous region affected, has reported 71 fatalities, with additional casualties and damages still being assessed. Officials indicate that 127 individuals remain missing, and 82 others have sustained injuries. Furthermore, Cebu’s provincial authorities have noted an additional 28 deaths that were not included in the initial figures released by the national civil defense office.
Anticipated storm and government response
As Typhoon Kalmaegi departed the Philippines on Thursday morning, it has begun its trajectory towards central Vietnam, a region already grappling with severe flooding that has led to numerous fatalities. President Marcos Jr addressed the media, emphasizing the necessity of declaring a state of calamity due to the extensive damage and the looming threat of another incoming storm, Uwan, anticipated to hit over the weekend.
“Almost 10 regions, around 10 to 12 regions, will be affected. So if that many areas are involved, with that kind of scope, then it’s a national calamity,”
he stated. In the Philippines, such a declaration indicates widespread casualties and major destruction, granting government agencies enhanced access to emergency funds and enabling the expedited procurement of critical goods and services for affected populations.
Reports indicate that the majority of the fatalities resulted from drowning incidents caused by the storm’s torrential downpour, which unleashed torrents of muddy water from hillsides into towns and cities. The damage across Cebu has been severe, with many homes and buildings swept away, leaving a thick layer of mud in the wake of the receding waters.
Community devastation and rescue efforts
Local officials have characterized the devastation inflicted by the storm as “unprecedented.” As residents return to their ravaged homes, they grapple with the aftermath of the deadly floods. Jel-an Moira Servas, a business owner from Mandaue City, recounted her harrowing experience, stating, “Right now, the rain has completely stopped and the sun is out, but our houses are still filled with mud, and everything inside is in shambles. We don’t even know where to start cleaning. I can’t even look at it without crying.”
The national disaster agency has reported that over 400,000 individuals have been displaced by this calamity in Cebu, a province home to approximately 2.5 million residents. The official death toll also includes six military helicopter crew members who tragically died in a crash on Mindanao island while engaged in relief operations.
Carlos Jose Lañas, a volunteer rescuer, expressed his shock at the flooding’s intensity, noting, “This is the worst flood I’ve ever experienced. Almost all the rivers here in Cebu overflowed. Even emergency responders did not expect this kind of scenario.” He highlighted the overwhelming demand for rescue operations, stating, “The rescue operation was too overwhelming for the emergency responders around Cebu, because there were a lot of people asking for help.”
Typhoon Kalmaegi, referred to locally as Tino, marks the 20th tropical cyclone to strike the Philippines this year, a country notoriously susceptible to powerful storms. This disaster follows closely on the heels of previous typhoons that resulted in significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
As the storm strengthened after departing the Philippines, forecasts indicated maximum sustained winds increasing from 150 km/h to 155 km/h. It is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam on Friday morning, leading to the cancellation or rescheduling of over 50 flights. Vietnam is already contending with substantial flooding and record rainfall that has compromised riverbanks, impacting some of its most popular tourist destinations. Meanwhile, Thailand is also preparing for the storm’s potential effects, including warnings of flash floods, landslides, and river overflows.