Devastating Typhoon Kalmaegi Ravages Cebu: Floods, Deaths, and Recovery
Devastating Impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi
Typhoon Kalmaegi, locally known as Typhoon Tino, has caused catastrophic damage in the Philippines, with the death toll nearing 200. The storm swept through low-lying regions, uprooting trees, overturning cars, and triggering severe flooding. The hardest-hit areas include Cebu, where over 139 lives were lost, primarily due to drowning and falling debris.
Widespread Flooding and Infrastructure Damage
Floodwaters inundated entire barangays, with some reaching the second floors of houses. Cities like Mandaue and Cebu City experienced chest-deep floods, forcing thousands to evacuate. The Butuanon and Mananga Rivers overflowed, wiping out settlements and leading to a state of calamity declaration. Around 200,000 homes were damaged or submerged, crippling local infrastructure and delaying projects such as the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit System.
Emergency Response and Recovery
Local officials have mobilized relief efforts amid ongoing rescue operations. With the storm now dissipated, communities face a long recovery, grappling with displacement and rebuilding. The scale of destruction marks Kalmaegi as one of the deadliest typhoons in recent Philippine history, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.
