Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of emergency in response to the devastating Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has resulted in at least 114 fatalities and left nearly 130 individuals missing across the central provinces. This disaster stands as the deadliest in the Philippines this year.
The majority of the casualties were attributed to drowning in flash floods, with Cebu province bearing the brunt of the storm’s impact. The tropical cyclone exited the archipelago into the South China Sea on Wednesday. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that almost 2 million people were affected by the storm, with over 560,000 displaced, including nearly 450,000 who sought refuge in emergency shelters.
The president’s declaration of a “state of national calamity” was made during a meeting with disaster response officials tasked with evaluating the aftermath of the storm. This declaration will facilitate the rapid disbursement of emergency funds and help mitigate issues related to food hoarding and price inflation.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of Kalmaegi, officials have issued warnings about another potential tropical cyclone forming in the Pacific, which could develop into a super typhoon and impact the northern Philippines early next week.
Among the reported fatalities attributed to Kalmaegi was the tragic crash of a Philippine Air Force helicopter in Agusan del Sur, which killed six individuals. The helicopter was on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to the affected provinces; the cause of the crash has yet to be determined.
In Cebu, the aftermath has been dire, with flash floods leading to neighborhoods being inundated. Residents were forced to take refuge on rooftops, pleading for rescue as the floodwaters rose dramatically. The aftermath in Cebu has seen at least 71 people dead, with 65 missing and 69 injured, according to civil defense reports. Additionally, 62 others were reported missing in the nearby province of Negros Occidental.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro highlighted the challenges faced during the typhoon and indicated that the severity of the flooding was exacerbated by years of quarrying activities that have led to clogged rivers, as well as poorly-implemented flood control projects in the province. This situation comes in the wake of a widespread public outcry regarding corruption related to inadequate flood management systems.
Cebu was already reeling from a recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred on September 30, which had also caused significant destruction and loss of life. The typhoon led to the suspension of ferry and fishing boat operations due to perilous sea conditions, stranding over 3,500 passengers and cargo truck drivers across nearly 100 seaports. Additionally, at least 186 domestic flights were canceled.
The Philippines is no stranger to natural disasters, facing an average of 20 typhoons and storms each year, along with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity, solidifying its status as one of the most disaster-prone nations in the world. In light of this history, the country continues to strive for better preparedness and response mechanisms to protect its citizens and communities.