Typhoon Kalmaegi/sbkinews.in
Typhoon Kalmaegi, locally named Typhoon Tino, has unleashed unprecedented devastation upon the Philippines, emerging as one of the deadliest storms in 2025. As of early November, at least 188 lives have been lost and countless more injured across various regions, primarily due to catastrophic flooding and landslides triggered by the typhoon’s relentless rains. The central provinces, with Cebu among the hardest hit, have seen entire neighborhoods submerged as floodwaters rose swiftly and trapped residents on rooftops, desperate for rescue.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reports that the typhoon affected approximately 2.4 million people across eight regions. Over 300,000 individuals remain sheltered in nearly 3,000 evacuation centers, with thousands more staying temporarily with relatives or friends. Emergency services, along with the military and volunteer organizations, are tirelessly conducting search-and-rescue missions, battling challenging weather and terrain.
One particularly tragic moment in the ongoing rescue efforts was the crash of a Philippine Air Force helicopter in Agusan del Sur. The aircraft, on a humanitarian mission to aid those stranded by floodwaters, went down, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers. This incident underscores the perilous conditions faced by emergency responders working in the storm’s aftermath.
The storm dumped as much as a month’s worth of rain in just one day in several areas including metropolitan Cebu. The deluge caused sudden flash floods, overflowing rivers, and inundated vast stretches of residential and commercial zones. The inundation of critical infrastructure has hampered mobility and complicated the conveyance of aid supplies, further exacerbating the crisis.
In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national calamity, unlocking emergency funds to aid in faster relief distribution and to mitigate inflation and hoarding of essential goods. This declaration empowers local and national agencies to better coordinate efforts across affected areas and provide immediate assistance to displaced families.
Economic impacts of Typhoon Kalmaegi are already apparent. The Philippine economy, which was showing signs of recovery with a 4% growth rate in the previous quarter, faces setbacks due to widespread damage to infrastructure and disruptions in business activities. Key sectors such as construction and agriculture suffered major losses, compounding concerns over food supply and household income within vulnerable communities.
The typhoon’s arrival in the midst of ongoing political and economic challenges highlights the vulnerability of the archipelago nation to climate-related disasters. It also puts into sharp focus the urgent need to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve flood control infrastructure, and implement sustainable urban planning to reduce the devastating effects of future storms.
Beyond the immediate physical damage, Typhoon Kalmaegi has left an emotional toll on the Filipino people. Communities rally with remarkable resilience, showcasing solidarity as they face the long road ahead to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and heal from the trauma of loss.
Meanwhile, forecasters warn that another typhoon may be approaching the northern Philippines, potentially developing into a super typhoon, challenging disaster response teams and communities still recovering from Kalmaegi.
As relief operations continue, international organizations and neighboring countries have pledged support. Donations, medical supplies, and emergency personnel are pouring in to help alleviate the hardships faced by millions affected by this natural calamity.
Typhoon Kalmaegi’s impact is a sobering reminder of the increasing severity and frequency of destructive weather events amid global climate change. It underscores an urgent call for comprehensive climate resilience strategies, emphasizing not only immediate relief but long-term adaptation policies.for full News click here
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