Cebu City, Philippines — At least five people have been reported dead and nearly 400,000 residents displaced as Typhoon Kalmaegi battered the central Philippines on Tuesday, bringing unprecedented flooding and widespread destruction across Cebu and other nearby provinces.
Scenes of devastation have emerged as torrential rainfall turned entire towns into waterways, with powerful flood currents sweeping away vehicles, submerging houses, and leaving thousands trapped and vulnerable. Videos verified by AFP showed cars, trucks, and even large shipping containers pushed along by raging, muddy waters as the storm made landfall.
Unprecedented Rainfall Sparks Deadly Flooding
The Philippine state weather bureau reported that over 183 millimeters (7 inches) of rain fell in Cebu City within 24 hours before landfall—an amount that far exceeds the city’s monthly average of 131 millimeters. The relentless rainfall has overwhelmed drainage systems and burst riverbanks, turning urban districts into swaths of brown, flood-ridden waters.
“The situation in Cebu is truly unprecedented,” said Governor Pamela Baricuatro in a Facebook briefing. “We were expecting the strong winds to be the main hazard, but it’s the catastrophic flooding that is putting millions at risk.”
Local disaster officials confirmed the deaths of at least two children in Cebu City alone, where emergency responders continue rescue operations. Other fatalities were reported in Leyte and Bohol, including an elderly person who drowned inside their multi-story home and a man hit by a falling tree.
Survivors Recall Terrifying Ordeals as Waters Rose Overnight
Residents described harrowing escape attempts as waters engulfed entire homes. “The water level rose so quickly — by 4 AM it was unstoppable,” said Don del Rosario, a 28-year-old Cebu resident. “In my 28 years living here, this is the worst I’ve ever seen.”
In the aftermath of a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake in September, hundreds of families still living in temporary tents were forcefully relocated for their safety ahead of the storm’s arrival, according to local officials.
Government Issues Mass Evacuations, Warns More Storms Likely
Nearly 400,000 people have been pre-emptively evacuated, said Deputy Civil Defense Administrator Rafaelito Alejandro. Schools and offices remain shut as the government races to restore power and clear major roads.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Typhoon Kalmaegi continued to move westward through the Visayan island chain, packing sustained winds of 130 km/h (81 mph) and gusts reaching 180 km/h. Officials have warned that at least three to five more storms are expected to hit the Philippines before the end of the year, potentially intensifying disaster risks for millions already affected.
Climate Change Intensifies Philippines’ Typhoon Season
Climate scientists are sounding the alarm: human-driven climate change is contributing to stronger and more unpredictable storms. Warmer ocean temperatures allow typhoons to rapidly intensify, while higher atmospheric moisture levels result in heavier rainfall — as demonstrated by Kalmaegi.
The Philippines, located in the Pacific’s typhoon belt, faces the brunt of around 20 tropical storms and typhoons annually, many of which bring life-threatening conditions to vulnerable, low-income areas.
Communities in Despair, Waiting for Rescue and Relief
In Dinagat Islands, where Typhoon Kalmaegi first made landfall, residents described enduring terrifying conditions overnight. “The power went out, and all we could do was pray,” said single mother Miriam Vargas. “The wind felt like it was tearing the house apart.”
Kalmaegi follows two other severe storms that hit the Philippines in September, including Super Typhoon Ragasa, which left a trail of destruction across Southeast Asia and killed 14 people in Taiwan.
As relief efforts continue, aid groups are calling for urgent action to support displaced families, restore essential services, and strengthen disaster preparedness.
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