Typhoon Kalmaegi ripped through central Philippines, prompting President Marcos Jr. to declare a state of emergency after at least 114 people were killed and 127 reported missing. Most fatalities were caused by drowning in flash floods, with Cebu among the worst hit. The storm moved into the South China Sea and is now approaching Vietnam, where Ho Chi Minh City faces a heightened flood risk if heavy rains coincide with high tides. Authorities continue rescue and relief operations while urging residents to follow evacuation orders.
Typhoon Kalmaegi: 114 Dead, 127 Missing in Philippines as Storm Heads Toward Vietnam
Typhoon Kalmaegi ripped through central Philippines, prompting President Marcos Jr. to declare a state of emergency after at least 114 people were killed and 127 reported missing. Most fatalities were caused by drowning in flash floods, with Cebu among the worst hit. The storm moved into the South China Sea and is now approaching Vietnam, where Ho Chi Minh City faces a heightened flood risk if heavy rains coincide with high tides. Authorities continue rescue and relief operations while urging residents to follow evacuation orders.
15:03, 06.11.2025Environment
Typhoon Kalmaegi Slams Central Philippines, Moves Toward Vietnam
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency Thursday after Typhoon Kalmaegi tore through central provinces, killing at least 114 people and leaving 127 more unaccounted for in the deadliest natural disaster to strike the country this year.
Authorities said the majority of fatalities resulted from drowning in sudden flash floods that overwhelmed communities in low-lying and coastal areas. The hardest-hit areas include central provinces such as Cebu, where dozens remain missing and rescue teams continue search-and-rescue operations.
The tropical cyclone moved out of the Philippine archipelago on Wednesday and pushed into the South China Sea. As Kalmaegi approached Vietnam, Vietnamese authorities braced for heavy rain and coastal impacts. Forecasters warned that Ho Chi Minh City — the country’s financial center — faces an elevated risk of severe flooding if the storm’s heavy rainfall coincides with high tides.
Humanitarian and Emergency Response
The declaration of a state of emergency enables faster mobilization of national resources and relief efforts to assist affected communities. Local officials and emergency services have been coordinating evacuations, distribution of relief goods, and the deployment of search-and-rescue teams where roads and communications remain disrupted.
Officials urged residents in vulnerable areas to heed evacuation orders and stay away from flooded rivers and landslide-prone slopes until authorities confirm it is safe to return.
As recovery efforts continue in the Philippines, regional authorities remain on alert for further impacts as Kalmaegi moves westward toward Vietnam. International agencies and neighboring countries may also provide assistance as needs are assessed.