Philippines declares state of calamity as Typhoon Kalmaegi death toll hits 114
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of calamity across parts of the Philippines following the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has claimed at least 114 lives and left scores missing in the central region.
The powerful storm unleashed torrential rains and massive floods, submerging entire towns in Cebu, the country’s most populous island in the Visayas region.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), at least 127 people remain missing, while 82 others sustained injuries.
Cebu’s provincial government reported an additional 28 fatalities not yet reflected in the national tally, bringing the overall figure even higher.
Officials described the flooding and destruction as “unprecedented,” with homes, roads, and bridges washed away and thick mud blanketing many communities.
The President stated that the state of calamity would allow faster access to emergency funds and expedite the delivery of aid and essential services.
He noted that the declaration also considered the potential impact of Typhoon Uwan, forecast to hit the country over the weekend.
“Almost 10 to 12 regions will be affected,” he said. “With such a wide scope, it’s only right that we declare a national calamity.”
Authorities confirmed that most victims died from drowning as rivers overflowed and flash floods swept through residential areas. In Mandaue City, residents described scenes of chaos as floodwaters rose within minutes.
Jel-an Moira Servas, a local businesswoman, said her family barely escaped. “Our house filled with water so fast we had to leave everything behind,” she said. “Now the rain has stopped, but everything we own is covered in mud. We don’t even know where to begin.”
Over 400,000 residents have been displaced in Cebu alone, while relief agencies continue to rescue stranded families and distribute food and clean water.
Among the casualties were six military personnel killed in a helicopter crash on Mindanao Island while conducting rescue operations.
Typhoon Kalmaegi, locally known as Tino, is the 20th tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines this year. It exited the country early Thursday with sustained winds of 155 km/h and is now heading toward central Vietnam, where officials have canceled dozens of flights and issued flood warnings.
Vietnam and Thailand are bracing for impact amid already swollen rivers and record rainfall.
Kalmaegi’s devastation comes just weeks after Super Typhoon Ragasa and Typhoon Bualoi battered the region, renewing anger among Filipinos over poor flood control measures and long-standing corruption in infrastructure projects.