Manila : The Philippines is facing another tragedy as Typhoon Kalmaegi, known locally as Tino, has claimed at least 114 lives and left 127 people missing in the central region.
The storm struck while parts of the country were still recovering from a recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake, adding to the devastation.
The province of Cebu has been hit the hardest, with most deaths caused by flash floods and overflowing rivers.
Many homes were swept away, and rescuers are still searching for people trapped in landslides and debris.
Authorities said that entire villages have been cut off due to damaged bridges and blocked roads.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of national emergency, allowing faster release of funds and resources for relief work. More than 387,000 people were evacuated before the storm made landfall, but many others were caught by surprise as the heavy rains and strong winds intensified quickly.
In one tragic incident, a Philippine Air Force helicopter crashed while carrying relief supplies to remote areas, killing six crew members. Officials said bad weather may have caused the accident.
Kalmaegi has now moved into the South China Sea and is heading toward Vietnam, where authorities have begun preparations for possible heavy rainfall and flooding.
The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, faces frequent typhoons every year. Experts say the destruction caused by Kalmaegi was worsened by the weakened state of flood-control systems and river blockages caused by quarrying.
Rescue teams continue to search for missing people, while emergency shelters are crowded with families who have lost their homes. Government agencies and aid groups are working together to deliver food, water, and medical help to affected communities.
Officials have warned that the number of casualties could rise as communication is still cut off in several remote villages. The government has promised a full review of the disaster response and stronger measures to protect vulnerable regions from future storms.