Typhoon Kalmaegi Kills 140, Leaves Hundreds Missing in Central Philippines

On November 6, 2025, Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the central Philippines, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. According to the latest reports, the powerful storm has claimed the lives of at least 140 people, with hundreds more still unaccounted for.

In response to the crisis, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of national calamity. This move will allow the government to disburse emergency funds more quickly and take measures to prevent food hoarding and price gouging. The typhoon has impacted nearly 2 million people, with over 560,000 villagers displaced, including 450,000 who were evacuated to shelters.

The hardest-hit area appears to be the province of Cebu, which was still recovering from a devastating 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck just last month. The typhoon's heavy rains triggered flash floods and swelling rivers, engulfing residential communities and forcing residents to seek rescue on their rooftops. At least 71 people have died in Cebu, mostly due to drowning, and 65 others are reported missing.

Disaster-response officials have warned that another tropical cyclone from the Pacific could strengthen into a super typhoon and batter the northern Philippines early next week, further compounding the challenges faced by the country.