Typhoon Claims 140 Lives in the Philippines

Typhoon Kalmaegi has killed at least 140 people and left 127 others missing after causing massive flooding across the central Philippines, according to official figures released on Thursday, as the storm moves toward Vietnam.

Disaster database EM-DAT identified Kalmaegi as the world’s deadliest storm so far in 2025. Last year, Typhoon Trami also struck the Philippines, claiming 191 lives.

Unprecedented floodwaters swept through towns and cities in Cebu province this week, destroying homes, vehicles, and even large shipping containers. The national civil defence agency confirmed 114 deaths, while Cebu authorities reported an additional 28 fatalities.

In Liloan, a town near Cebu City, residents described scenes of devastation — cars stacked on top of one another, rooftops ripped off, and families digging through mud to recover belongings. One resident, Christine Aton, recounted how floodwaters trapped her sister, Michelle, who had a disability, in her room as the water level rapidly rose. “We tried to break the door open, but it wouldn’t budge. Then everything started to float,” she said tearfully.

Another survivor, Chyros Roa, credited his family’s survival to their dog’s barking, which alerted them just in time to escape to the roof. “The current was too strong. We called for help, but rescuers couldn’t reach us — some were swept away,” he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos has declared a state of national calamity, allowing emergency funds to be released and price controls imposed on essential goods.

Meteorologist Benison Estareja said the rainfall along the typhoon’s path was about 1.5 times the average for a typical November in Cebu — an event that happens “once every 20 years.” He added that the region’s dense urbanisation worsened the disaster’s impact.

Residents cleaning up on Wednesday said they had never witnessed flooding of such magnitude. “The water came so fast and strong that you couldn’t step outside,” said shop owner Reynaldo Vergara in Mandaue. “Everything was gone in minutes.”

Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro described the situation as “unprecedented.”

Scientists have long warned that climate change is making tropical storms more powerful, with warmer oceans fueling rapid intensification and heavier rainfall.

As Kalmaegi strengthens while moving toward Vietnam, concerns are rising that it could worsen existing flood damage that has already killed 47 people there. Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha described the storm as “urgent and dangerous,” ordering mass evacuations from coastal areas.

Forecasts show Kalmaegi could bring waves up to eight meters high and dangerous storm surges upon landfall. Authorities in Quy Nhon City were seen going door-to-door, urging residents to flee to safety.

Kalmaegi is the 13th tropical storm to hit Vietnam in 2025, exceeding the country’s annual average. The Philippines has also reached its typical total of 20 storms this year, with meteorologists warning that up to five more could still develop before the year ends. Another system, Tropical Storm Fung-wong, is already forming east of Luzon and could reach super typhoon status before landfall on Monday.