State of National Calamity Declared After Deadliest Storm of 2025
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of national calamity in the Philippines following the devastating impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has killed at least 114 people and left 127 missing. The declaration, made on November 6, 2025, enables the government to rapidly deploy emergency funds and implement price controls to prevent hoarding of essential goods.
Catastrophic Flooding in Cebu
The central province of Cebu bore the brunt of Kalmaegi's fury, with 71 confirmed deaths and 65 people still missing. The storm, known locally as Typhoon Tino, dumped more than a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours, with Cebu receiving 183mm of rainfall compared to its monthly average of 131mm. 'The floodwaters quickly rushed in without warning,' said Maria Santos, a resident of Talisay City who lost her home. 'We had to climb to the roof just to survive. Everything is gone.'
The devastation was compounded by years of quarrying that clogged rivers and substandard flood control infrastructure. Local officials described the flooding as unprecedented, with water levels reaching heights not seen in decades.
Mass Displacement and Rescue Operations
More than 560,000 people have been displaced by the typhoon, with nearly 450,000 evacuated to emergency shelters across the affected regions. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors trapped in flooded areas, particularly in remote communities where access remains challenging.
The disaster marks the deadliest natural event in the Philippines this year, surpassing previous storms and earthquakes. The tragedy was compounded when six military personnel died in a helicopter crash during a humanitarian mission in Agusan del Sur.
New Threat Approaches
As the Philippines grapples with Kalmaegi's aftermath, officials are preparing for another potential threat. Tropical Storm Uwan, currently developing in the Pacific, is expected to intensify into a typhoon and approach the northern Philippines by Saturday. 'We are doing everything to prepare for the approaching Typhoon Uwan,' President Marcos stated during his emergency address.
Meanwhile, Typhoon Kalmaegi has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane equivalent and is now heading toward central Vietnam, where authorities are preparing to evacuate approximately 350,000 people. The storm threatens an area still recovering from recent devastating floods that claimed 47 lives.
International Response and Recovery
The international community has begun mobilizing aid, with neighboring countries and international organizations offering assistance. The Philippines, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and typhoon belt, experiences an average of 20 storms annually, but Kalmaegi represents the most severe impact of the 2025 season.
Recovery efforts face significant challenges as many areas remain inaccessible due to damaged infrastructure and continuing rainfall. The disaster highlights the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure in one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change.