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A person lost their life when Typhoon Kalmaegi struck central Philippines on Tuesday, according to the national disaster agency. Heavy rainfall, fierce winds, and storm surges prompted tens of thousands to evacuate their homes.
With sustained winds reaching 150 km/h and gusts up to 205 km/h at landfall early Tuesday, Kalmaegi—locally called Tino— is expected to traverse the Visayas islands and exit into the South China Sea by Wednesday.
Throughout the Visayas, as well as parts of southern Luzon and northern Mindanao, mass evacuations took place, and the disaster agency confirmed one fatality.
A video shared by DZRH radio on Facebook depicted homes in Talisay City fully submerged, with just rooftops visible. Similar scenes emerged on social media from Cebu City, where streets and vehicles were underwater.
The Philippine weather bureau PAGASA explained that the combined effects of Kalmaegi and a shear line brought heavy rains and strong winds across the region.
“Due to interaction with the terrain, Tino may weaken slightly as it crosses Visayas, but it’s projected to stay at typhoon strength throughout its passage over the country,” PAGASA stated in a morning update.
More than 160 flights to and from the affected zones have been canceled. Mariners were advised to find safe harbor immediately and remain anchored until conditions improve.
The agency issued warnings for potentially life-threatening and damaging storm surges, estimating heights over 3 meters along coastlines and low-lying areas in central Philippines, including parts of Mindanao.
Vietnam also announced preparations for the worst as Kalmaegi approaches, with landfall expected Thursday night in central regions already hit hard by recent floods that resulted in at least 40 deaths and six missing persons last week.
“The typhoon is extremely strong and continues to intensify in the East Sea,” the government noted in a statement, referencing the South China Sea.
This storm hits as the Philippines, accustomed to around 20 tropical storms annually, recovers from a series of recent disasters, including earthquakes and severe weather events.
In September, Super Typhoon Ragasa battered northern Luzon, causing shutdowns of government operations and schools due to powerful winds and relentless rain.
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