Typhoon Kalmaegi has struck the central Philippines with devastating force, battering the densely populated Visayas region and Cebu province. Officials confirmed that at least 66 people have been killed and 26 remain missing. Widespread flooding has trapped many residents on rooftops as emergency teams struggle to reach affected areas.
On Tuesday, a Philippine Air Force helicopter crashed in the southern province of Agusan del Sur, killing six people on board. The aircraft was en route to deliver humanitarian aid to provinces ravaged by the typhoon.
Officials said that recovery efforts were still underway in Cebu following a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake when the typhoon hit, leaving little time for disaster preparedness. The province has reported 49 deaths, most caused by flash floods and landslides.
Bernardo Rafaelito, Deputy Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, said heavy rainfall, rising river levels, and the effects of the earlier earthquake led to severe flooding across Cebu. He added that weak infrastructure has made rescue operations difficult. Although rehabilitation work has begun, the situation remains critical.
Gwendolyn, Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross, said that many people trapped on rooftops had called for help. However, rescue operations have been delayed until floodwaters recede to reduce risks for rescuers operating in hazardous conditions.
Cebu Governor Pamela Bariquatro described the disaster as “unexpected,” saying that despite the extensive damage, emergency response and humanitarian operations are being conducted with utmost caution.
By Tuesday evening, Typhoon Kalmaegi had begun to weaken but continued to cause damage across the country due to persistent rain and strong winds. The storm, with sustained winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, swept across the Visayas archipelago and is now moving toward the South China Sea via northern Palawan. Experts warned that despite weakening, risks of flooding and storm-related damage remain high.
Sources: The Guardian, Al Jazeera.