MANILA: Typhoon Kalmaegi left one person dead and forced tens of thousands to evacuate as it swept across the central Philippines on Tuesday, bringing destructive winds, heavy rains, and dangerous storm surges, the national disaster agency reported.
Kalmaegi — locally known as Tino — made landfall early Tuesday with sustained winds of 150 kph and gusts reaching 205 kph.
The typhoon is forecast to track across the Visayas islands before exiting into the South China Sea by Wednesday.
Tens of thousands of residents in Visayas, southern Luzon, and northern Mindanao were evacuated as authorities warned of widespread flooding and landslides.
The disaster agency confirmed one fatality linked to the storm.
Footage posted on DZRH radio’s Facebook page showed entire neighborhoods in Talisay City submerged, with only rooftops visible.
In Cebu City, vehicles and major streets were underwater in scenes widely shared on social media.
PAGASA: Typhoon to Stay Intense Despite Slight Weakening
State weather bureau PAGASA said Kalmaegi’s interaction with mountainous terrain may cause slight weakening, but the system will remain at typhoon strength throughout its passage.
The combined effects of Kalmaegi and a shear line brought intense rains and strong winds across the Visayas and surrounding areas, PAGASA said.
More than 160 flights to and from affected provinces have been canceled.
Maritime authorities advised sea vessels to seek shelter immediately and remain in port.
PAGASA issued warnings of life-threatening storm surges exceeding 3 meters along coastal and low-lying areas in the central Philippines, including parts of Mindanao.
Another Disaster Amid a String of Recent Calamities
Kalmaegi arrives as the Philippines — struck by around 20 tropical storms each year — continues to recover from a recent series of earthquakes and severe weather events.
In September, Super Typhoon Ragasa battered northern Luzon, forcing the suspension of government work and classes as it unleashed fierce winds and torrential rains.
