Philippines declares state of calamity as typhoon death toll rises to 114

Philippines declares state of calamity as typhoon death toll rises to 114

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a nationwide state of calamity following the catastrophic impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has left at least 114 people dead and hundreds more missing or injured across central Philippines.

The powerful storm, locally known as Tino, unleashed torrential rains and flash floods that inundated entire towns on Cebu, the country’s most populous island in the Visayas region. Officials report 71 confirmed deaths in Cebu alone, with another 127 people still missing and 82 injured. Provincial authorities have cited an additional 28 fatalities not yet included in the national tally.

Kalmaegi, the 20th tropical cyclone to strike the Philippines this year, exited the archipelago early Thursday morning, but its trail of destruction continues to unfold. The storm has since intensified, with sustained winds reaching 155 km/h, and is now heading toward central Vietnam, where residents are already grappling with deadly floods. Thailand has also issued warnings for flash floods and landslides as the storm approaches.

President Marcos Jr announced the state of calamity in anticipation of further devastation from Typhoon Uwan, forecasted to hit the country over the weekend. “Almost 10 to 12 regions will be affected. With that kind of scope, then it’s a national calamity,” he told reporters.

Under Philippine law, a state of calamity enables government agencies to expedite emergency funding and streamline the delivery of essential goods and services to affected communities.

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Unprecedented Destruction in Cebu

The storm’s fury was most acutely felt in Cebu, where muddy torrents swept through residential areas, destroying homes and infrastructure. Local officials described the flooding as “unprecedented,” with many small buildings washed away and thick layers of mud blanketing neighborhoods.

Jel-an Moira Servas, a business owner from Mandaue City, recounted her harrowing experience: “Within minutes, the water was waist-deep. We evacuated with just food and electronics. Now, everything is in shambles. I can’t even look at it without crying.”

The national disaster agency estimates that over 400,000 residents have been displaced in Cebu, which has a population of 2.5 million. Among the casualties were six crew members of a military helicopter that crashed on Mindanao island while conducting relief operations.

Carlos Jose Lañas, a 19-year-old volunteer rescuer, said the scale of the disaster overwhelmed emergency teams. “Almost all the rivers overflowed. Even responders didn’t expect this kind of scenario. There were just too many people asking for help.”

A Season of Storms and Public Outcry

Kalmaegi’s devastation follows a series of deadly weather events, including Super Typhoon Ragasa (locally Nando) and Typhoon Bualoi (Opong), which struck in late September. Earlier in the year, a prolonged and unusually wet monsoon season triggered widespread flooding and public protests over inadequate flood control systems, many of which have been linked to corruption and poor infrastructure planning.

As Kalmaegi barrels toward Vietnam and Thailand, Southeast Asia braces for further impact. More than 50 flights in Vietnam have already been cancelled or rescheduled, and authorities warn of continued flooding in popular tourist areas.

The Philippines, situated in the Pacific typhoon belt, remains one of the most disaster-prone nations in the world. With climate change intensifying weather patterns, officials and citizens alike are calling for urgent reforms in disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

 

Philippines declares state of calamity as typhoon death toll rises to 114

BBC