Overview:
Typhoon Kalmaegi has left a trail of devastation across the central Philippines, killing dozens and displacing hundreds of thousands. The country, already reeling from multiple disasters this year, faces yet another heartbreaking recovery effort.
The Philippines Faces Another Tragedy
The Philippines is once again confronted with the harsh reality of nature. Typhoon
Kalmaegi, a powerful Category 2 storm, struck the nation yesterday, ripping
through the central region.
Reuters reports that the storm has caused at least 66 confirmed deaths and
displaced hundreds of thousands due to severe flooding and landslides.
Preparing for the Storm
With Kalmaegi being the 25th named storm of the 2025 Pacific typhoon season, authorities moved swiftly to prepare. More than 200,000 residents were evacuated before landfall, flights were grounded, and emergency shelters were opened across the Visayas region.
Rescue teams were deployed ahead of the storm, anticipating widespread damage — but even they could not have predicted the extent of destruction that followed.
Aftermath: Flooding, Power Outages, and Loss
- Trapped on the Roof:
Rising floodwaters up to 10 feet left many families stranded on rooftops in
Cebu province, watching helplessly as the current swept away their vehicles. - A Home No More:
Thousands of homes have been destroyed or submerged. Strong winds ripped off roofs, collapsed walls, and left neighborhoods unrecognizable. - No Power!
Over one million customers across the Visayas region lost power, with entire provinces such as Southern Leyte plunged into darkness. - Failed Rescue Mission:
In a tragic turn, a Philippine Air Force helicopter conducting relief operations crashed, killing all six crew members, according to Al Jazeera.
Adding Insult to Injury
Kalmaegi marks yet another natural disaster in a devastating year for the Philippines:
- Typhoon Ragasa struck the north in September, causing landslides and flash floods.
- Just days later, Tropical Storm Bualoi hit Samar province, killing 27 and forcing over 24,000 evacuations.
- A 6.9 magnitude earthquake then rattled Cebu — the same area now reeling from Kalmaegi’s destruction.
As The New York Times noted, the Philippines remains one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, with its geography making it highly vulnerable to typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.
Where is Kalmaegi Headed Next?
Typhoon Kalmaegi is now moving toward Vietnam’s central region, where it is expected to make landfall Thursday night. Vietnamese authorities are preparing for severe conditions, warning residents of “a very strong typhoon which continues to strengthen,” according to ABC News.
Sources:
Editor’s Note:
This article was written and submitted by Presence News contributor William Barber.
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