Typhoon Kalmaegi, the 20th tropical cyclone to strike the Philippine archipelago this year, has caused significant destruction and loss of life across the central provinces, including Cebu. The storm made landfall late Monday night in one of the province’s vulnerable east coast towns. Along its path, it produced sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (81 mph), with gusts shooting up to 180 kilometers per hour (112 mph). As of this week’s reports, at least 26 have died from these tragic accidents. The historic flooding and crushing winds of the super typhoon have wreaked the following havoc.
Typhoon Kalmaegi has had a devastating impact throughout the region. Ferdie Alagano Authorities said more than 387,000 people moved to safer grounds in eastern and central Philippine provinces ahead of the cyclone’s arrival. The storm prompted the cancellation of at least 186 domestic flights, stranding thousands of passengers and cargo truck drivers in nearly 100 seaports. Interisland ferries and local fishing boats were barred from sailing as the seas grew increasingly angry.
After making landfall, Typhoon Kalmaegi was last observed over the municipal waters of Jordan town. This firm is based at the world-famous mango capital in central province of Guimaras. Meteorologists forecast that the storm will move into the South China Sea late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Prior to that, it will have a direct effect on the western province of Palawan. Authorities had warned residents of potential torrential rains, destructive winds, and storm surges of up to three meters (nearly 10 feet).
Once the storm had passed, local officials described extensive damage at neighboring Typhoon Kalmaegi. The typhoon crashed down roofs and leveled about 300 shanties, mainly in countryside villages on the rural island of Homonhon, community leaders said. With homes destroyed, this devastation is compounded for families that are now in crisis and need immediate assistance. Search and rescue operations are failing to keep pace because of persistent heavy debris and flooding.
“We have received so many calls from people asking us to rescue them from roofs and from their houses, but it’s impossible. There are so many debris, you see cars floating so we have to wait for the flood to subside.” – Gwendolyn Pang
Even as recovery from the damage caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi continues, the spirit of hope among residents shines through. Annaliza Gonzales Kwan commented on the situation, stating, “There was no flooding at all, but just strong wind. We’ll make this through. We’ve been through a lot, and bigger than this.”
The Philippines are no strangers to extreme weather, usually 20 typhoons and storms a year, on average. The speed and strength at which these storms are hitting is too much for even the most prepared cities to handle. The ongoing response efforts are critical as local governments and humanitarian organizations work to provide relief to those affected by Kalmaegi.
As long-term recovery efforts continue, these communities serve as an example of the need to be proactive and prepared for the next storm. Typhoon Kalmaegi serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by many living in one of the country’s poorest regions.
