Typhoon Kalmaegi Leaves 66 Dead in Philippines, Heads for Vietnam

Typhoon Kalmaegi has killed at least 66 people in the central Philippines. Dozens more are missing after widespread flooding. The storm hit the island province of Cebu particularly hard.

This area was still recovering from a major earthquake last month. The typhoon has now moved into the South China Sea, heading toward Vietnam.

Central Province Ravaged by Flash Floods

Most deaths occurred in Cebu province. Sudden, massive flash floods caught residents by surprise. People were forced onto their roofs to escape rising water.

According to the Philippine Red Cross, many desperate calls for rescue were received. The Office of Civil Defense confirmed at least 49 drowned in the floods. Landslides and falling debris caused other fatalities.

Rescue volunteer Caloy Ramirez described the scene. An upscale riverside community was transformed into a landscape of wrecked cars and damaged houses. Floodwaters rose so quickly that residents had only minutes to react.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro expressed the difficulty of the situation. She stated that officials prepared for the typhoon but could not anticipate the severe flash floods. The scale of the disaster was overwhelming for local responders.

Recovery Efforts Complicated by Prior Quake

The province faces a compounded crisis. A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the same region in late September. That disaster killed 79 people and displaced thousands.

Governor Baricuatro highlighted concerns over infrastructure. She pointed to years of quarrying and substandard flood control projects as potential factors worsening the flooding. A national scandal involving corrupt public works contracts has fueled public anger recently.

Cebu has declared a state of calamity. This measure allows for the faster release of emergency funds. The priority is providing immediate aid to the affected population.

Authorities had moved earthquake survivors into sturdier shelters before the typhoon hit. This action likely prevented further casualties in the northern part of the province.

Storm Continues Path Toward Southeast Asia

Typhoon Kalmaegi continues its westward track. It is expected to impact central Vietnam by Friday. The storm carries sustained winds of 130 kph with powerful gusts.

Vietnamese authorities are preparing for its arrival. Fishing boats have been called back to shore. Evacuation plans and emergency food supplies are being readied.

Thailand’s weather agency has also issued warnings. Northern, eastern, and central regions should expect heavy rain from the storm system. This raises concerns about further flash floods and landslides in the region.

The Philippines is hit by about twenty such storms annually. Its location makes it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.

The aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi underscores the persistent vulnerability of island nations to extreme weather. The path of destruction now shifts westward, threatening new communities.

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How many people were killed by Typhoon Kalmaegi?

Officials confirm at least 66 fatalities. Another 26 individuals remain missing. The death toll may rise as search efforts continue.

Which area was most affected by the storm?

The central Philippine province of Cebu suffered the greatest losses. Most deaths from drowning and landslides occurred there. The province was also recovering from a recent major earthquake.

Is the typhoon still active?

Yes, Typhoon Kalmaegi has moved into the South China Sea. It is currently heading toward Vietnam. Forecasters expect it to reach the Vietnamese coast soon.

What caused the severe flooding in Cebu?

Flash floods were triggered by the typhoon’s heavy rainfall. Officials also suspect clogged rivers from quarrying and substandard flood control projects worsened the impact.

Were there other casualties related to the storm?

Yes, a Philippine air force helicopter crashed during a humanitarian mission. Six crew members died in the accident. The crash occurred in Agusan del Sur province.

Trusted Sources

The Associated Press, Reuters, Office of Civil Defense Philippines, Philippine Red Cross, Philippine Coast Guard.