The death toll from the devastating Typhoon Kalmaegi has risen to 114 in the Philippines, as rescue operations continue across the storm-ravaged regions. Authorities confirmed that dozens of people remain missing, while thousands have been displaced from their homes due to severe flooding and landslides. The powerful typhoon, which made landfall earlier this week, unleashed torrential rains and winds exceeding 180 kilometers per hour.
Government disaster agencies reported that the worst-hit areas include northern Luzon, Cagayan Valley, and parts of the Cordillera region, where entire villages were submerged. Emergency teams, including the military and coast guard, have been deployed to rescue stranded residents and deliver relief goods. Many areas remain without electricity or clean water, further worsening the humanitarian situation.
Officials said that most of the casualties resulted from flash floods and collapsing homes built on unstable slopes. Hospitals in affected provinces are overwhelmed as injured victims continue to arrive. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed all relevant agencies to speed up rescue efforts and ensure the quick distribution of food and medical aid.
The Philippine Red Cross has also launched emergency relief drives, providing temporary shelters, bottled water, and essential supplies to displaced families. Meanwhile, the national weather bureau warned that further rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying regions.
Experts say Typhoon Kalmaegi is among the strongest storms to hit the country in recent years, reviving painful memories of previous disasters like Typhoon Haiyan. Recovery efforts are expected to take weeks as authorities assess the full extent of the damage to homes, farms, and infrastructure.
The government has appealed for international assistance to help cope with the crisis, particularly in restoring power, rebuilding schools, and supplying medical equipment to rural hospitals.
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