The national disaster agency has reported that over 85 people have died and hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes as Typhoon Kalmaegi hit the central Philippines.
The typhoon, also known locally as Tino, hit the island of Cebu hardest, where 49 of the fatalities occurred.
Authorities on Wednesday reported that 75 people remain missing and 17 others were injured.
The typhoon has overwhelmed rivers and urban areas, sweeping away cars, shipping containers, and small buildings with residents seeking safety on rooftops as floodwaters inundated entire neighborhoods.
Most deaths were caused by drowning, as torrents of muddy water flowed down hillsides into towns and cities.
Among the casualties were six military personnel whose helicopter crashed on Mindanao while assisting with relief efforts.
The aircraft went down near Agusan del Sur, prompting a search and rescue operation.
“Communication with the helicopter was lost, which immediately prompted the launch of a search and rescue operation,” the Philippine air force said
Thereby confirming the recovery of all six bodies.
The typhoon brought sustained winds exceeding 80 mph (130 km/h) and, despite weakening since its landfall early Tuesday, continued to threaten the Visayas region and surrounding islands.
More than 400,000 residents have been displaced, according to the national disaster agency.
Residents described the floods as unprecedented, a business owner in Mandaue city, said she and her family quickly evacuated from waist-deep water.
“Our houses are still filled with mud, and everything inside is in shambles,” she said.
Rescue operations have faced challenges due to debris and blocked roads, with emergency teams using boats to reach stranded residents.
A volunteer rescuer said the flooding exceeded expectations.
“Almost all the rivers here in Cebu overflowed. The rescue operation was too overwhelming for the emergency responders,” he said.
Rafaelito Alejandro, deputy administrator of the office of civil defence, stated that clearing wreckage and vehicles is one of the main challenges for emergency teams.
Philippines president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of calamity on Thursday following the destruction and fatalities caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi.
He said the move was prompted not only by the current damage but also in preparation for Typhoon Uwan, which is forecast 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,” he said.
Comments