Esther Imonmion
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday declared a state of calamity after Typhoon Kalmaegi left at least 114 people dead and caused widespread devastation, particularly in Cebu — the country’s most populous island — where 71 deaths have been confirmed. Another 127 people are missing and 82 injured, according to national civil defence officials, while Cebu provincial authorities reported 28 additional deaths not yet included in the national tally.
Typhoon Kalmaegi, one of the strongest storms to hit the region this year, is now barrelling toward central Vietnam with increasing wind speeds and dangerous storm surges. Vietnam’s weather bureau has warned that waves as high as eight metres (26 feet) could strike coastal areas, prompting mass evacuations from vulnerable communities. More than 50 flights have been cancelled or rescheduled, and six regional airports have suspended operations.
Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha described Typhoon Kalmaegi as a “very abnormal” storm and urged local officials to treat it with urgency. The typhoon is expected to make landfall late Thursday or early Friday, with authorities warning of possible flash floods, landslides, and river overflows.
Marcos Jr. said his decision to declare a state of calamity was based on the extensive damage caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi and the looming threat of another storm, Typhoon Uwan, forecast to hit the Philippines over the weekend. “Almost 10 to 12 regions will be affected,” he said. “With that kind of scope, it’s a national calamity.”
The declaration enables government agencies to access emergency funds and expedite the distribution of relief materials. Most of the Philippine deaths were caused by drowning as floodwaters from Typhoon Kalmaegi swept through entire towns and cities.
In Cebu, homes were submerged under torrents of muddy water. “Right now, the rain has stopped and the sun is out, but our houses are still filled with mud and everything is in shambles,” said resident Jel-an Moira Servas of Mandaue City. “We don’t even know where to start cleaning.”
The national disaster agency said more than 400,000 people have been displaced in Cebu, home to about 2.5 million residents. The official death toll also includes six crew members of a military helicopter that crashed in Mindanao while on a relief mission.
Volunteer rescuer Carlos Jose Lañas said even seasoned emergency teams were overwhelmed. “This is the worst flood I’ve ever experienced,” he told the BBC. “Almost all rivers overflowed, and there were too many people asking for help.”
Typhoon Kalmaegi — locally called Tino — is the 20th tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines this year. It follows a series of devastating storms, including Super Typhoon Ragasa (Nando) in September and Typhoon Bualoi (Opong) shortly after. As Typhoon Kalmaegi continues its deadly march across the South China Sea, both Vietnam and Thailand are bracing for impact, fearing the storm’s trail of destruction may not yet be over.