Philippines declares state of emergency after Typhoon Kalmaegi kills over 100, hundreds still missing
PTC Web Desk: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a nationwide state of emergency after Typhoon Kalmaegi left at least 114 persons dead and more than 120 missing, making it the deadliest natural disaster to strike the Philippines this year. Most of the fatalities occurred due to flash floods and landslides, particularly in the central province of Cebu, where rescue operations continue amid widespread devastation.
Officials said 127 persons remain unaccounted for, with fears that the toll could rise as emergency teams reach remote areas. According to the Office of Civil Defense, nearly 2 million residents have been affected by the typhoon, which displaced over 560,000 people. Around 450,000 villagers have taken shelter in evacuation centres after their homes were submerged or destroyed.
President Marcos made the declaration during a disaster assessment meeting, saying it would help speed up the release of emergency funds and prevent food hoarding or price manipulation in the affected regions. The government also warned that another powerful storm forming over the Pacific could hit the northern Philippines early next week.
The typhoon brought torrential rain that caused rivers to overflow and entire communities in Cebu to be engulfed by floodwaters. Many residents were forced to climb onto rooftops and call for rescue as water levels rapidly rose. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said flash floods overwhelmed flood control systems that had already been weakened by illegal quarrying and poor construction.
“The flooding was unexpected and far worse than we had prepared for,” Baricuatro said, adding that corruption and substandard infrastructure had worsened the crisis.
Among the casualties were six air force personnel who died in a helicopter crash in the southern province of Agusan del Sur while en route to deliver relief supplies. The military has yet to confirm the cause of the crash.
Cebu was already struggling to recover from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30, killing 79 persons and damaging thousands of homes. Some earthquake survivors had been relocated to stronger evacuation centres just before the typhoon struck, potentially saving many lives.
Meanwhile, ferry and fishing operations remain suspended, leaving more than 3,500 passengers stranded across nearly 100 ports. At least 186 domestic flights have also been cancelled due to severe weather conditions.
- With inputs from agencies
