MANILA, November 6, 2025: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency across the Philippines on Thursday after Typhoon Kalmaegi killed at least 114 people and left 127 others missing, making it the country’s deadliest natural disaster this year. The government said the storm caused widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage across several central provinces, with Cebu among the hardest hit. The Office of Civil Defence reported that most of the fatalities occurred in Cebu, where rivers and waterways overflowed after continuous torrential rains inundated low-lying communities.
Central Philippines struggles to recover after record-breaking typhoon. (AI-generated image)
Many victims drowned in flash floods that struck as the typhoon made landfall on Tuesday, prompting large-scale evacuations and rescue operations. Provincial authorities have confirmed that thousands of homes were submerged, and several bridges and roads remain impassable due to debris and landslide damage. Deputy Administrator Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said emergency response teams, including police, military, and volunteer units, are continuing search and retrieval efforts in affected areas. Rescue operations have been hampered by blocked roads, downed power lines, and intermittent communications. Authorities have deployed heavy equipment to clear access routes and restore mobility for relief convoys.
According to the Office of Civil Defence, nearly two million people have been affected by Typhoon Kalmaegi across the Visayas and parts of Mindanao. More than 560,000 residents have been displaced, including nearly 450,000 who sought refuge in government-designated evacuation centers. Relief efforts are underway to deliver food, water, and medical supplies to temporary shelters, while local governments coordinate the restoration of utilities and essential services. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the typhoon exited the archipelago early Wednesday after crossing central and western regions. Kalmaegi weakened slightly as it moved westward over the South China Sea toward Vietnam, but forecasters warned that monsoon rains could persist in western coastal provinces, including Palawan.
Cebu province bears brunt of Typhoon Kalmaegi’s devastation
Authorities have advised residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert due to the risk of additional rainfall. President Marcos said the nationwide state of emergency will allow the government to mobilize resources more quickly and expedite the release of emergency funds for disaster response and recovery operations. The Department of Public Works and Highways has begun damage assessments on major roads and bridges, while the Department of Energy is working to restore electricity in affected towns. The Department of Health has deployed medical teams to evacuation sites to prevent outbreaks of waterborne illnesses.
Philippines records 16th typhoon of 2025 amid ongoing recovery
In Cebu City and neighboring municipalities, local disaster response offices reported that more than 30,000 homes were either destroyed or severely damaged. Power and telecommunications remain limited in rural areas, with crews working around the clock to restore service. Maritime authorities have suspended sea travel across central and western waters, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at ports until weather conditions stabilize. Kalmaegi, the 16th tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, brought sustained winds of up to 155 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 190 kilometers per hour. The storm intensified rapidly as it approached the central region, bringing torrential rain that overwhelmed drainage systems and triggered widespread flooding.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the full extent of the damage is still being evaluated, but initial estimates suggest significant agricultural and infrastructure losses. The Philippines, located along the Pacific typhoon belt, is struck by an average of 20 tropical cyclones each year. Authorities said preparedness measures taken before Kalmaegi’s landfall, including early evacuation orders and pre-positioned relief goods, helped reduce potential casualties despite the storm’s severe impact. Search and recovery operations continue as government agencies work to restore essential services and assist displaced residents. – By Content Syndication Services.