At least 40 people have been killed in the Philippines after Typhoon Kalmaegi unleashed torrential rains and severe flooding across the central region of the country, officials reported on Tuesday.
The powerful storm, which made landfall on Tuesday, forced thousands of residents from their homes as rapidly rising waters submerged entire neighborhoods. While the typhoon has since weakened as it moves toward the South China Sea, it continues to lash the nation with strong winds.
The scale of the devastation was echoed in the accounts of survivors. Resident John Patajo described a harrowing experience as floodwaters encroached on his home. “We were really anxious because the longer the rains continued, the higher the floodwaters rose. It even reached half of our second floor,” Patajo said.
Another resident, Alexander Adran Jr., recounted the moment he realized the severity of the situation. “We woke up seeing the heavy rains and winds. When I looked outside our window, I saw the waters rising, and it seemed to be around 12 feet,” he said.
The storm’s impact has prompted a significant emergency response, with rescue operations ongoing in affected areas. The official death toll, announced by national disaster agency spokespersons, highlights the tragic cost of the typhoon, one of the strongest to hit the archipelago this season.
Despite weakening, authorities have cautioned that the storm remains a threat as it moves away from the country, and have advised residents in affected regions to remain vigilant for further hazards.
