Typhoon Kalmaegi Hits Philippines 114 Dead, Hundreds Missing in Cebu

Manila, Philippines – November 6, 2025: The Philippines is grappling with the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has claimed at least 114 lives and left 127 people missing in central provinces, including the hardest-hit region of Cebu. In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national emergency on Thursday to accelerate relief efforts and provide emergency funds.

The tropical cyclone, which exited the Philippine archipelago on Wednesday and entered the South China Sea, affected nearly 2 million people and displaced more than 5,60,000 villagers. Of these, nearly 4,50,000 were evacuated to emergency shelters, according to the Office of Civil Defense.

Most fatalities were due to flash floods, triggered as rivers and waterways swelled across Cebu province. Local residents were forced to climb rooftops to escape rising floodwaters. Cebu alone reported 71 deaths, 65 missing, and 69 injuries. In nearby Negros Occidental, 62 residents were reported missing.

The disaster was compounded by years of substandard flood control projects and river clogging due to quarrying, which intensified the flash floods, officials said. Cebu is still recovering from a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on September 30, which killed at least 79 people and displaced thousands.

Tragically, six people died when a Philippine Air Force helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur while delivering humanitarian aid to typhoon-stricken provinces. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Transportation across the country remains disrupted. Rough seas forced the cancellation of 186 domestic flights, and ferries and fishing boats were barred from venturing out, stranding over 3,500 passengers and cargo drivers.

Authorities have warned that another tropical cyclone forming in the Pacific could intensify into a super typhoon and hit the northern Philippines early next week, adding to concerns about ongoing disaster preparedness.

The Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons and storms annually and is frequently affected by earthquakes and volcanic activity, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. The government’s swift response aims to mitigate further loss of life and accelerate recovery efforts for those affected by Typhoon Kalmaegi.