At least 26 people have died and hundreds of thousands have been displaced following Typhoon Kalmaegi in the central Philippines, which has been identified as one of the strongest typhoons of the year. The storm has resulted in extensive flooding across significant areas, particularly affecting the central island of Cebu, where most fatalities have occurred. Current reports indicate that the number of casualties may increase.
Imagery from the affected regions shows individuals seeking refuge on rooftops, while vehicles and shipping containers have been carried away by floodwaters. A military helicopter dispatched for relief efforts tragically crashed near Agusan del Sur on Mindanao island, resulting in the deaths of six crew members. The Philippine Air Force confirmed that communication was lost with the helicopter, prompting a search and rescue operation.
Although Typhoon Kalmaegi, locally referred to as Tino, has weakened since its landfall early on Tuesday, it continues to produce winds exceeding 80 mph (130 km/h). The storm is expected to move across the Visayas islands and exit into the South China Sea by Wednesday. The provincial governor of Cebu described the flooding situation as unprecedented, indicating that the water levels are posing significant risks to residents.
Most reported fatalities were attributed to drowning, with floodwaters inundating towns and cities. Damage to residential structures has been considerable, forcing many to seek assistance via boats. Approximately 400,000 individuals have been evacuated from the storm’s path, according to the Office of Civil Defence.
The Philippines experiences an average of 20 storms and typhoons annually, and the region recently endured previous typhoons that resulted in loss of life and damage to infrastructure. Typhoon Kalmaegi is anticipated to progress toward Vietnam, which is already facing record rainfall.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgmx4yjkzj4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss