At least 140 useless within the Philippines after Typhoon Kalmaegi hits

Editor-in-chiefNovember 6, 20254 Mins read18

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Typhoon Kalmaegi Philippines: At Least 140 Dead in Unprecedented Cebu Flooding Disaster

Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the Philippines on November 5, 2025, unleashing devastating floods that claimed at least 140 lives, primarily in Cebu province. This guide breaks down the typhoon’s impacts, meteorological factors, government responses, and lessons for future preparedness in typhoon-prone regions like the Philippines.

Introduction

Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall near Bacayan on Cebu island, Philippines, on November 5, 2025, triggering flash floods that have been described as the deadliest storm event worldwide in 2025 by the EM-DAT emergency database. Official reports confirm at least 140 fatalities, with 127 people still missing as of November 6, 2025. This typhoon highlights the growing risks of extreme weather in the Philippines, a nation frequently battered by tropical cyclones.

What Happened in Cebu Province?

The storm brought rainfall 1.5 times the typical November monthly total to Cebu, causing rivers to overflow and sweeping away homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. In Liloan town near Cebu City, 35 bodies were recovered amid scenes of stacked cars and torn roofs. Nationwide civil protection data lists 114 deaths, with Cebu province adding 28 more.

Analysis

Understanding Typhoon Kalmaegi’s path requires examining its meteorological profile and local vulnerabilities. As a powerful tropical cyclone, Kalmaegi intensified rapidly, fueled by warm ocean waters, delivering extreme precipitation to densely populated areas.

Meteorological Breakdown

Benison Estareja, a meteorologist with the Philippine state weather service, classified the event as a “once every 20 years” occurrence due to rainfall volumes far exceeding norms. Urbanization around Cebu City exacerbated flooding by reducing natural drainage, turning streets into raging torrents.

Human and Infrastructure Toll

Beyond the 140 confirmed typhoon deaths in the Philippines, the disaster displaced thousands and destroyed livelihoods. Eyewitness accounts detail vehicles piled atop each other and homes obliterated, underscoring poor preparedness in flood-prone zones. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro called it “unprecedented” in a radio address, reflecting the scale of destruction.

Climate Change Connections

Scientists link intensifying storms like Typhoon Kalmaegi to climate change. Warmer oceans provide more energy for cyclones, while a warmer atmosphere holds increased moisture, leading to heavier downpours. These factors amplify flooding risks in archipelago nations like the Philippines, which sees about 20 typhoons annually.

Summary

Typhoon Kalmaegi ravaged central Philippines on November 5, 2025, resulting in at least 140 deaths and 127 missing, mainly from Cebu flooding. Declared the deadliest global storm of 2025 by EM-DAT, it prompted a national calamity declaration. The typhoon now threatens Vietnam, with forecasts of 8-meter waves upon landfall.

Key Points

Death Toll: 140 confirmed (114 national, 28 Cebu), 127 missing.
Hardest Hit Area: Liloan, Cebu – 35 bodies recovered; vehicles and homes destroyed.
Rainfall Intensity: 1.5x normal November total, a 20-year event.
Government Response: State of national calamity declared for emergency aid and price controls.
Ongoing Threat: Strengthening toward Vietnam, landfall expected late November 6.

Practical Advice

For residents in typhoon-prone areas like the Philippines, proactive measures can save lives during events like Typhoon Kalmaegi. This pedagogical section outlines evidence-based strategies drawn from disaster management best practices.

Pre-Storm Preparation

Monitor forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Stockpile essentials: three days’ water (4 liters per person daily), non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit. Elevate valuables and secure outdoor items to prevent them becoming projectiles.

During the Typhoon

Stay indoors away from windows. If flooding threatens, move to higher ground immediately. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters – just 15 cm can sweep away a car, and 60 cm can float vehicles, as seen in Cebu.

Post-Storm Recovery

Wait for official all-clears before returning home. Boil water before drinking to prevent disease outbreaks common after floods. Document damage for insurance claims and seek government aid under calamity declarations.

Points of Caution

Typhoon Kalmaegi’s aftermath underscores persistent risks. Beware of secondary hazards like landslides in Cebu’s hilly areas, contaminated water leading to leptospirosis, and structural collapses from weakened buildings. As the storm heads to Vietnam, coastal residents there face surge risks up to 8 meters – evacuate promptly per orders.

Health and Safety Warnings

Post-flood environments breed mosquitoes and bacteria. Use insect repellent, wear protective gear while cleaning, and vaccinate against tetanus if injured. Children and elderly are most vulnerable; monitor for heat stress or dehydration.

Comparison

Typhoon Kalmaegi stands out among recent Philippines disasters. Compared to Typhoon Haiyan (2013), which killed over 6,000, Kalmaegi’s focused flooding in urban Cebu yielded a high per-event toll despite fewer overall deaths. Globally, its EM-DAT deadliest-2025 status eclipses earlier storms.

Versus Vietnam’s Current Floods

Vietnam already mourns 47 flood deaths this week. Kalmaegi’s approach – labeled “urgent and threatening” by Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha – could compound this, with evacuation orders for thousands mirroring Philippine responses but facing similar urbanization challenges.

Historical Context in Philippines Typhoons

The archipelago endures 20 typhoons yearly, but Kalmaegi’s rainfall intensity rivals rare events like Typhoon Ondoy (2009), which killed 464 via Manila flooding. Urban growth since then heightens future vulnerabilities.

Legal Implications

The Philippine government’s declaration of a “state of national calamity” on November 6, 2025, carries specific legal weight under Republic Act No. 10121, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act. This enables:

Quick release of calamity funds without bidding for essentials.
Price caps on rice, fuel, and medicines to curb gouging.
Mobilization of armed forces for rescue and relief.
Suspension of classes and work in affected areas.

Violations, like hoarding, face penalties including fines up to PHP 1 million or imprisonment. Internationally, it may unlock aid from bodies like the UN or ASEAN.

Conclusion

Typhoon Kalmaegi’s toll of 140 lives in the Philippines exemplifies the lethal synergy of extreme weather and human factors like urbanization. As climate change intensifies such events, robust preparedness, policy reforms, and global cooperation are essential. Cebu’s tragedy serves as a stark reminder: early warnings and resilient infrastructure can mitigate future Philippines typhoon disasters. Vietnam must now fortify defenses as Kalmaegi looms.