Philippine(The COW News Digital)A powerful tropical cyclone, Typhoon Kalmegi, has brought widespread devastation across the central regions of the Philippines, leaving at least 140 people dead and dozens still missing, officials said on Thursday. The cyclone, which has been described as the most dangerous storm to hit the country in 2025, unleashed torrential rains, flash floods, and winds reaching speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour.
The city of Cebu, one of the worst-affected areas, witnessed severe flooding as raging waters swept away homes, vehicles, and shipping containers. Images from the disaster zone showed collapsed bridges, submerged neighborhoods, and thousands of residents wading through chest-deep water to reach evacuation centers. Local authorities reported widespread power outages and communication breakdowns, complicating rescue operations.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency across several provinces, stating that the national government would deploy all available resources to assist affected communities. “Our priority is to save lives, restore essential services, and provide relief to those displaced,” the president said during a televised briefing.
Disaster response agencies confirmed that search and rescue teams are actively combing through the rubble and inundated areas to locate survivors. However, officials warn that the death toll is likely to rise as communication improves and remote regions become accessible.
The storm has not only caused catastrophic human loss but also inflicted significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and transportation networks. Thousands of homes have been reported destroyed or severely damaged, forcing tens of thousands of people into temporary shelters. Schools and government buildings have been converted into evacuation centers, now struggling to accommodate the growing number of displaced families.
After ravaging the Philippines, Typhoon Kalmegi continued its trajectory toward Vietnam. In response, Vietnamese authorities have mobilized more than 260,000 soldiers and rescue personnel to coastal regions. Mass evacuation orders have been issued, and several airports, seaports, and major highways have been temporarily closed to minimize casualties. Weather experts warn that the storm could intensify further as it approaches Vietnam’s central coastline.
International humanitarian organizations are preparing to dispatch emergency supplies, including food, clean water, generators, and medical aid. The United Nations expressed deep concern over the emerging humanitarian crisis and emphasized the need for swift coordination to support affected populations.
The full extent of the destruction in the Philippines is yet to be verified, but officials say recovery and rebuilding may take months, if not longer.
