The central Philippines is in crisis as Typhoon Kalmaegi, one of the most powerful storms to strike the region this year, triggered devastating floods, landslides, and widespread destruction. At least two people have been confirmed dead, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced as the typhoon swept across the Visayas, southern Luzon, and parts of northern Mindanao.

Communities Submerged as Residents Flee to Rooftops

On Tuesday, harrowing images and videos from the province of Cebu showed submerged vehicles and homes fully engulfed in floodwaters. Many residents, soaked and panicked, were forced to climb onto rooftops to escape the rising waters, pleading for rescue as the storm raged on.

A viral video shared by DZRH radio revealed several houses in Talisay City almost completely underwater, with only rooftops visible. Other clips circulating on social media depicted streets turned into rivers, vehicles floating or overturned, and stranded residents awaiting emergency assistance.

Widespread Power Outages and Travel Disruptions

As Kalmaegi made landfall shortly before midnight, it brought sustained winds of 150 km/h (93 mph) with gusts reaching up to 185 km/h. The storm uprooted trees, downed power lines, and left entire communities without electricity.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued severe storm surge warnings, cautioning coastal towns of waves reaching over 3 meters (10 feet). More than 160 domestic and international flights were canceled due to dangerous weather conditions, and sea vessels were urged to stay docked until further notice.

Fatalities and Emergency Response Efforts

Tragedy struck Cebu and Leyte as two fatalities were reported. In Bohol, a man lost his life after being struck by a falling tree, while on Leyte Island, an elderly resident drowned after being trapped inside his flooded home.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed that as of Monday, roughly 156,000 people had been evacuated from high-risk areas. Authorities continue to coordinate rescue and relief operations in multiple provinces, with emergency shelters reaching capacity.

Storm Intensifies Amid Ongoing Climate Crises

Despite its weakened state due to mountainous terrain, Typhoon Kalmaegi remains a formidable threat. PAGASA forecasts the storm will retain typhoon strength as it crosses the country, bringing more torrential rain and strong winds.

This catastrophic weather comes on the heels of several recent natural disasters in the Philippines. In September, Super Typhoon Ragasa devastated northern Luzon, claiming at least 10 lives and forcing government shutdowns. Additionally, the country has endured repeated earthquakes and extreme weather events in recent months, heightening concerns about disaster preparedness.

Weather experts warn that Kalmaegi is just one of up to five more storms expected before the end of December. Scientists stress that the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones are escalating due to human-induced climate change, putting vulnerable nations like the Philippines at even greater risk.