Typhoon Kalmaegi Hits Philippines, Leaving Dozens Dead
Manila, Philippines – A recent typhoon, Kalmaegi, has brought devastation to the central Philippines, with reports indicating at least 52 lives lost and 13 people still missing. The storm triggered widespread flooding, trapping residents on rooftops and washing away vehicles, particularly in the province of Cebu, which is still recovering from a previous earthquake.
Tragically, six individuals perished in a separate incident when a Philippine air force helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur while en route to deliver humanitarian aid to affected areas. The military has not yet released details regarding the cause of the crash.
Kalmaegi was last observed over Linapacan, Palawan, with sustained winds of 75 mph and gusts reaching 93 mph. It is expected to move into the South China Sea.
Officials report that Cebu province was hit particularly hard, with overflowing rivers causing extensive flooding in residential areas. Many residents were forced to seek refuge on their roofs, awaiting rescue.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro noted that while efforts were made to prepare for the typhoon, unexpected flash floods exacerbated the situation. She suggested that the severity of the flooding may have been worsened by the effects of quarrying and failures in flood control infrastructure.
“There has to be an investigation of the flood control projects here in Cebu and people should be held accountable,” Baricuatro said.
The province of Cebu, home to over 2.4 million people, has declared a state of calamity to facilitate the swift distribution of emergency funds. The region was already struggling to recover from a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in September that resulted in numerous deaths and displacement.
Other fatalities were reported in Southern Leyte and Bohol provinces.
Prior to the typhoon’s arrival, over 387,000 individuals were evacuated from vulnerable areas in the eastern and central Philippines. Warnings were issued regarding torrential rains, strong winds, and potential storm surges.
Ferry and fishing boat operations were suspended due to hazardous sea conditions, affecting thousands of passengers and truck drivers. Numerous domestic flights were also canceled.
The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, experiencing approximately 20 typhoons and storms annually, as well as earthquakes and volcanic activity.
