The Philippines declares a state of calamity as the typhoon death toll rises to 114. Image: BBC News.
(The Post News)– President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of calamity across much of the Philippines after Typhoon Kalmaegi caused catastrophic flooding in the central regions, killing at least 114 people and leaving more than a hundred others missing.
Typhoon Kalmaegi submerged the entire towns on the country’s most populous island in the central Visayas, Cebu, where 71 deaths have been confirmed. Officials stated that 127 people remain missing and 82 have been injured. Cebu provincial authorities also reported a further 28 deaths that were not yet included in the national civil defense tally.
Typhoon Kalmaegi exited the Philippines early Thursday morning, moving westward toward central Vietnam, where residents are still recovering from recent floods that killed dozens.
Speaking to reporters, President Marcos Jr. said the decision to declare a state of calamity was based on the “massive scale of destruction” and in preparation for another storm, Uwan, expected to strike the country over the weekend.
“Almost 10 regions, around 10 to 12 regions, will be affected. So if that many areas are involved, with that kind of scope, then it’s a national calamity,” Marcos said. Under Philippine law, such a declaration allows the government to release emergency funds, cap prices of basic goods, and expedite the delivery of essential supplies to affected communities.
Drowning Led to Most Fatalities
Most fatalities were due to drowning after torrents of muddy water cascaded down hillsides and engulfed homes and businesses. Large swaths of Cebu’s residential zones were destroyed, with debris and thick layers of mud left behind.
Local officials described the devastation as “unprecedented.” Residents have begun returning to what remains of their homes, many struggling to process the scale of the disaster left by typhoon Kalmaegi ]d] ..
Jel-an Moira Servas, a business owner from Mandaue City, told the BBC that she and her family barely escaped rising waters. “Right now, the rain has completely stopped and the sun is out, but our houses are still filled with mud, and everything inside is in shambles,” Servas said. “We don’t even know where to start cleaning. I can’t even look at it without crying.”
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that in Cebu alone, a province home to about 2.5 million residents, typhoon Kalmaegi displaced more than 400,000 people. Among the casualties were six crew members of a military helicopter that crashed on Mindanao island while en route to assist with relief operations.
Volunteer rescuer Carlos Jose Lañas, 19, said even seasoned emergency teams were overwhelmed. “This is the worst flood I’ve ever experienced,” he said, adding that nearly every river in Cebu overflowed; even emergency personnel were unprepared for this kind of situation. He further said that there were too many people requesting assistance, making the rescue effort very difficult.
About the Author
