Source: aajtak
Devastation from Typhoon Kalmaegi continues to escalate across the Philippines as the death toll surpasses 90. Cebu province alone has reported 76 casualties. Floods and landslides have left thousands of homes in ruins, with 26 individuals still missing.
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Source: aajtak
The storm now approaches Palawan Island, threatening to impact Vietnam. Annually, the Philippines braces for over 20 tropical storms, sitting in a typhoon-prone region of the Pacific Ocean.
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Source: aajtak
Kalmaegi is the 20th storm of 2025, a formidable tropical cyclone known locally as Typhoon Tino. It barreled into central Philippines on the evening of November 4, 2025.
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Source: aajtak
With winds raging between 120 to 130 km/h and gusts peaking at 165-180 km/h, heavy rains ensued, submerging entire regions. Cebu Island bore the storm's brunt.
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Source: aajtak
Heading westward into the South China Sea, the death tally that was 66 by Tuesday leapt to over 90 by Wednesday. Deputy Administrator of Civil Defense, Rafaelito Alejandro, confirmed 76 deaths in Cebu, with 17 more in other provinces.
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Source: aajtak
Most victims were drowned by the floods or trapped in landslides. Still, 26 individuals remain unaccounted for. In a tragic accident, a military helicopter tasked with relief operations crashed near Mindanao, claiming the lives of six soldiers aboard.
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Source: aajtak
The soldiers were en route to deliver aid. Alejandro broadcasted on the radio that major cities experienced flooding amidst densely populated areas. Cleanup operations are currently underway.
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Source: aajtak
Cebu bore the worst impact, receiving 183 millimeters of rain within 24 hours, surpassing monthly averages. Roads became rivers, sweeping away cars and containers. Many climbed roofs to survive.
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Source: aajtak
Homes collapsed, roads crumbled, and essential services were cut off, rendering over 300,000 people homeless. With over 300,000 flights canceled, debris removal continues in areas like Mandaue City and Talisay.
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Source: aajtak
In other areas such as Negros Oriental, flooding caused significant damage. The nation, still recovering from a recent earthquake, now faces compounded difficulties with the storm. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged people to heed weather advisories strictly.
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Source: aajtak
The Civil Defense Office (OCD) has commenced distributing relief items—food, water, medicines, and temporary shelters. The military and fire brigade are committed to rescue operations.
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Source: aajtak
The meteorological agency PAGASA has issued alerts as the storm heads towards Palawan’s tourist spots. Sea waves could rise up to 3 meters, with rain persisting through the weekend.
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Source: aajtak
Meteorologist Charmaine Varilla reported that 20 typhoons have struck this year, with 3-5 more anticipated by December. The Philippines, the most disaster-affected country globally, faces up to 25 annual storms targeting impoverished areas.
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Source: aajtak
In September, Super Typhoon Ragasa claimed 14 lives. 2013’s Super Typhoon Haiyan resulted in over 3600 deaths. Climate change seems to be escalating the ferocity of these storms.
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Source: aajtak
The government has fortified warning systems, yet poverty and density remain hurdles.
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Source: aajtak
Kalmaegi is poised to strike Vietnam’s central regions by Thursday night. With 40 flood fatalities already, Vietnam gears itself for the worst-case scenario.
Photo: AP
Source: aajtak
Relief efforts persist in the Philippines, though full recovery will take weeks. This typhoon is a sobering reminder of nature’s overwhelming force.
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Source: aajtak
The resilient people of the Philippines will rise again, yet more focus on climate security is necessary. International aid is imperative.
