Manila: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a state of emergency after Typhoon Kalmaegi left at least 241 people dead or missing, making it the country’s deadliest disaster of the year. The powerful storm triggered widespread flooding and landslides across central provinces, particularly in Cebu and Negros Occidental, affecting nearly two million people and displacing over 5,60,000 villagers. Around 4,50,000 of them sought refuge in emergency shelters, according to the Associated Press.
As floodwaters began to recede, the scale of devastation became clearer homes were flattened, vehicles overturned, and entire streets were buried under thick mud and debris. Officials said clearing operations are critical both to locate the 127 missing persons and to reopen access to isolated areas where relief has been delayed. “The challenge now is debris clearing… These need to be cleared immediately,” said Raffy Alejandro, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense.
Most of the fatalities were reported in Cebu province, where flash floods and overflowing rivers engulfed communities, forcing residents to seek safety on rooftops. At least 71 people died in Cebu alone, with 65 missing and 69 injured. Another 62 people remain missing in the neighboring province of Negros Occidental. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the province had done its best to prepare but was overwhelmed by the sudden rise of floodwaters.
Marcos said the emergency declaration would allow the government to quickly release disaster funds, ensure the steady supply of goods, and curb food hoarding and price surges as recovery operations progress. Cebu has also declared a state of calamity to enable faster disbursement of local emergency funds.
Authorities said years of quarrying and substandard flood control projects worsened the flooding in Cebu. A corruption scandal over poorly executed or non-existent flood control projects has sparked public anger and protests in recent months.
Before Kalmaegi made landfall, more than 3,87,000 people had evacuated from coastal and low-lying areas. Ferries and fishing boats were grounded due to rough seas, leaving more than 3,500 passengers and cargo drivers stranded at nearly 100 seaports, while at least 186 domestic flights were cancelled.
The Philippines faces around 20 typhoons each year, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. As Kalmaegi moved out into the South China Sea, it began regaining strength toward Vietnam and Thailand. Authorities in Vietnam have launched mass evacuations in several provinces, warning of heavy rain and flooding in low-lying and coffee-growing regions.
Meanwhile, forecasters are tracking another developing storm east of Mindanao that could intensify into a new typhoon early next week, raising concerns about further challenges for the already battered region.
Marcos called for unity and resilience as recovery begins. “We are doing everything to bring help quickly to those who need it most,” he said. “The goal is not just to rebuild, but to make our communities stronger and safer.”
Source: The Indian Express