ANKARA
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday declared a state of emergency over the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has left 241 people dead missing, according to the latest figures. While 114 people have been confirmed dead, 127 others remain missing.
The decision was made during a briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, according to an official statement from the presidential office.
Marcos said the declaration will accelerate rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts, allowing faster access to emergency funds and streamlined procurement processes.
“Because of the scope of, shall we say, problem areas that has been hit by Tino and will be hit by (Typhoon) Uwan, there was a proposal from the (council), which I approved, that we will declare a national calamity,” Marcos said.
He added that 10 to 12 regions are expected to be affected by the twin typhoons as the country also prepares for Typhoon Uwan.
Flooding, landslides, power outages
Diego Mariano, deputy spokesperson for the Office of Civil Defense, said 82 people were injured in Central Visayas, the worst-hit region, local media outlet the Inquirer reported.
The powerful typhoon, locally known as Typhoon Tino, tore off roofs and uprooted trees and utility poles and caused massive flooding.
Kalmaegi exited the country Thursday morning, but it continues to bring rain to parts of Luzon and the Mindanao region, said the country’s weather agency.
More than 500,000 people have been displaced, with over 1.4 million affected in the Central Visayas region, including parts of Cebu province.
Heavy flooding and landslides have also cut off roads in remote areas, while some municipalities experienced power outages, authorities said.
The devastation comes after a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Cebu on Sept. 30, killing many people and displacing thousands.
Authorities said relief efforts are ongoing as rescue teams work to reach remote areas cut off by floodwaters and landslides.
Typhoon Kalmaegi made two landfalls in the Visayas region early Tuesday, the first in Southern Leyte and then in Cebu.
It is expected to regain strength over the South China Sea before heading toward Vietnam, where authorities are preparing for its arrival Friday.
