At least 66 people have been killed while hundreds of thousands fled their homes as one of the strongest typhoons this year ripped through the central Philippines. Typhoon Kalmaegi has flooded entire towns on the most populated central island of Cebu, where most fatalities occurred. Videos captured show families sheltering on rooftops and cars caught in rushing water.
Among the casualties were six crew members of a military helicopter that tragically crashed while assisting in relief operations. Communication was lost with the chopper near Agusan del Sur, leading to emergency searches that discovered the bodies of the crew.
Although the storm has weakened, it still brings winds exceeding 80mph. It is currently moving across the Visayas islands and expected to move into the South China Sea.
Rafaelito Alejandro from the Office of Civil Defence cites the need for clear skies before rescuers can fully deliver aid, faced with blocked roads from debris. Governor Pamela Baricuatro described the situation in Cebu as unprecedented, noting that floodwaters have caused most deaths by drowning.
Over 400,000 people have been displaced as homes are damaged or destroyed, prompting significant emergency responses. Typhoon Kalmaegi follows closely on the heels of other natural disasters that have impacted the region this year, reinforcing the need for sustainable infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
Among the casualties were six crew members of a military helicopter that tragically crashed while assisting in relief operations. Communication was lost with the chopper near Agusan del Sur, leading to emergency searches that discovered the bodies of the crew.
Although the storm has weakened, it still brings winds exceeding 80mph. It is currently moving across the Visayas islands and expected to move into the South China Sea.
Rafaelito Alejandro from the Office of Civil Defence cites the need for clear skies before rescuers can fully deliver aid, faced with blocked roads from debris. Governor Pamela Baricuatro described the situation in Cebu as unprecedented, noting that floodwaters have caused most deaths by drowning.
Over 400,000 people have been displaced as homes are damaged or destroyed, prompting significant emergency responses. Typhoon Kalmaegi follows closely on the heels of other natural disasters that have impacted the region this year, reinforcing the need for sustainable infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
