Manila: Typhoon Kalmaegi has claimed the lives of 140 people across the Philippines, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos to declare a nationwide state of emergency. The typhoon has left widespread destruction, particularly in the central region of Cebu, as the nation braces for another incoming storm.
According to Kuwait News Agency, President Marcos announced the state of emergency following an emergency cabinet meeting. The president emphasized that the decision was influenced by the extensive damage caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi and the threat of an approaching storm. The devastation is most severe in Cebu, where the typhoon demolished large areas and significantly impacted the local population.
Bernardo Rafaelito, deputy director of the defense minister's office, stated that the majority of fatalities occurred in Cebu, with additional deaths resulting from the crash of an army helicopter in Agusan Del Sur during the storm. He highlighted the unusual weather conditions that caused rivers to overflow, further exacerbating the situation.
Meteorologist Benison Estareja noted that the rainfall exceeded the average by five times, describing it as a rare event that occurs only once every 20 years. The excessive rain contributed to widespread flooding and increased the overall damage.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuator reported that blocked rivers have worsened the flooding situation. The region is still recovering from a recent 9.6 magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30, resulting in 79 deaths and leaving thousands homeless.
These developments have been covered extensively by Philippine media outlets, with reports monitored from the Malaysian capital.