Typhoon Kalmaegi has wreaked havoc across the central Philippines, resulting in at least 114 deaths and extensive destruction. The storm, which has now intensified as it moves toward Vietnam, has left tens of thousands displaced, with communities struggling to recover from the disaster.
As the typhoon made landfall, it reduced entire neighborhoods to rubble, particularly in Cebu, a popular tourist destination. Residents are now faced with the arduous task of salvaging their belongings from the devastation. The floodwaters are receding, revealing the full extent of the damage, with many homes buried under thick mud and debris.
Extent of the Damage in Cebu
In Cebu province, the scale of destruction has shocked local officials and residents alike. Drone footage has revealed catastrophic flooding that transformed streets into rivers, submerging homes and overturning vehicles. In the city of Talisay, entire rows of houses have been flattened, and communities along the Mananga River are buried under mud.
Mely Saberon, a resident of Talisay, expressed her despair, stating, “We don’t have any home anymore. We weren’t able to salvage anything from our house.” Another survivor from Cebu city, Marlon Enriquez, added, “I’ve lived here for almost 16 years and this is the first time I’ve experienced flooding like this.”
In response to the disaster, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national calamity on March 15, 2024, pledging continued relief and response operations. This disaster follows closely on the heels of a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu just over a month ago, resulting in at least 74 fatalities and significant displacement.
The Storm’s Impact and Future Threats
Typhoon Kalmaegi, locally known as Tino, made landfall as a Category 2-equivalent storm, becoming the 20th named storm to affect the Philippines in 2024. Although it was not the strongest storm of the year, its slow movement allowed it to unleash an extraordinary volume of rainfall, resulting in widespread flash flooding.
Officials reported that many fatalities were due to drowning, as rivers swelled beyond their limits. Areas such as Leyte and northern Mindanao experienced between 150 mm and 250 mm (6 to 10 inches) of rain in just 24 hours—far exceeding typical monthly rainfall for November. The rugged terrain of Cebu funneled water into communities that lacked proper drainage systems.
Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy administrator for the Philippines Office of Civil Defense, emphasized the need for improved early warning systems and infrastructure capable of withstanding increasingly intense storms. He noted, “Water is almost always the #1 killer” during such disasters.
The Philippines has been grappling with ongoing issues related to corruption in flood control projects, which has led to protests across the country. Allegations have surfaced involving legislators and construction companies receiving kickbacks from funds intended for flood management.
As Typhoon Kalmaegi approaches Vietnam, it remains a significant threat. The storm is currently packing winds of 215 kph (130 mph) and is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam, particularly affecting provinces such as Danang, Quang Ngai, and Dak Lak. Authorities are preparing for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and potential storm surges, with around 350,000 people in the Gia Lai province expected to be evacuated.
This new storm arrives as central Vietnam is still recovering from devastating flooding the previous week, which resulted in at least 13 deaths and inundated over 116,000 houses. Historical sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, have been submerged, prompting concern among local residents. Tran Van Tien, a Hoi An resident, stated, “I have witnessed floods many times, and this is the worst I’ve ever seen.”
The ongoing climate crisis is exacerbating the intensity and frequency of storms in the region. Rising ocean temperatures have been linked to stronger storms, as warmer waters provide more energy for tropical systems. The impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi underscores the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and a reevaluation of infrastructure resilience amid a changing climate.
