The Philippines has declared a state of national calamity after Typhoon Kalmaegi, one of the strongest storms of the year, devastated parts of the country, leaving at least 114 people dead and hundreds more missing.
The powerful storm triggered massive flooding across central Philippines, particularly in Cebu, the country’s most populous island in the region, where 71 fatalities have been confirmed so far. Authorities also report 127 people missing and 82 injured.
Provincial officials in Cebu have recorded 28 additional deaths not yet included in the official tally released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), according to AFP.
Storm Moves Toward Vietnam
Kalmaegi made landfall early Thursday, bringing torrential rain and strong winds before moving westward toward central Vietnam, where residents are still reeling from recent floods that killed dozens, BBC reports.
President Marcos Declares National Disaster
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the state of calamity due to the widespread destruction caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi and the anticipated arrival of another storm, Uwan, expected to hit the country over the weekend.
“Almost 10 to 12 regions will be affected. If such a wide area is involved, it becomes a national disaster,” Marcos told local media.
Authorities have launched search and rescue operations and are working to provide emergency shelter, food, and medical assistance to thousands of displaced residents.
