Typhoon Kalmaegi Leaves 66 Dead as Floods Hit the Philippines

At least 66 people have died after Typhoon Kalmaegi produced widespread flooding and destruction across the Philippines, with the worst losses reported in Cebu province where 49 fatalities have been confirmed and dozens remain unaccounted for.

Disaster officials said floodwaters, described as “unprecedented,” inundated densely populated towns and cities, sweeping through homes, capsizing vehicles and shifting large shipping containers. Search-and-rescue teams are prioritising debris removal and reopening major roads that have been blocked by flood damage.

“The major cities were hit hardest, particularly highly urbanised districts,” said Rafaelito Alejandro, a senior civil defence administrator. “Although flood levels are now receding, our immediate task is clearing the wreckage so normal movement can resume.”

Residents in Cebu recounted scenes of ruin as they began cleaning damaged properties. Reynaldo Vergara, a 53-year-old shop owner, said his business and possessions were swept away. “The water rushed from the river around four in the morning; it was so strong we could not get outside. I have never seen flooding like this,” he said.

In the 24 hours before Kalmaegi made landfall, the area around Cebu City recorded 183 millimetres of rain, surpassing the monthly average of 131 mm. Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro called the flooding “unprecedented,” noting that while authorities had prepared mainly for high winds, the intense rainfall caused the most harm.

“We expected winds to be our primary threat, but it was the water that truly endangered communities. The floods have been devastating,” Baricuatro added.

Nearly 400,000 people were evacuated from high-risk zones ahead of the storm, but many communities still face damaged homes, power outages and the threat of water contamination as recovery continues.

Separately, a Philippine Air Force helicopter involved in relief operations crashed on northern Mindanao while en route to Butuan. Authorities confirmed six personnel died in the incident — two pilots and four crew members — and recovery teams are working to identify the victims.

As of Wednesday morning, Kalmaegi was moving west toward Palawan, carrying sustained winds of 120 kilometres per hour with gusts up to 165 kph.

The Philippines, situated in the Pacific typhoon belt, typically sees about 20 tropical storms and typhoons a year. Kalmaegi is the nation’s 20th storm of 2025, and meteorologists have warned that several more could form before year-end.

Experts say climate change is making tropical cyclones more intense by warming ocean waters and increasing atmospheric moisture, which can lead to stronger storms and heavier rainfall — factors evident in the floods that struck Cebu.

Authorities have urged continued vigilance as Kalmaegi progresses and relief operations work to support thousands of displaced people and restore essential services in affected areas.