Typhoon Kalmaegi has unleashed deadly floods in the central Philippines, killing at least five people and displacing hundreds of thousands. The storm’s intense rainfall caused unprecedented flooding, with shipping containers and vehicles swept away by powerful currents.
Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the central Philippines on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, bringing torrential rains and strong winds that triggered severe flooding across several provinces, particularly in Cebu. The typhoon, moving westwards through the Visayan island chain, had winds of 130 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 180 kph, toppling trees and downing power lines. Entire towns were inundated, and the rapid rise of floodwaters caught many residents off guard, forcing them to seek higher ground for safety.
The flooding has resulted in at least five confirmed deaths, including two children in Cebu City, an elderly resident who drowned in Leyte province, and a man struck by a falling tree in Bohol. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to reach individuals trapped by rising waters, with many people stranded on rooftops or in upper floors of their homes. Local disaster officials reported that the bodies of the children were recovered in Cebu City, where efforts to evacuate others continue amid challenging conditions.
In Cebu province, dramatic videos verified by news agencies showed massive shipping containers, cars, and trucks being carried along by muddy floodwaters, highlighting the force of the currents. The area around Cebu City received 183 millimeters of rain in the 24 hours before the typhoon’s landfall, far exceeding its monthly average of 131 mm. This deluge overwhelmed drainage systems and caused rivers to burst their banks, submerging neighborhoods and critical infrastructure.
Local officials have described the situation as catastrophic and unprecedented. Cebu provincial governor Pamela Baricuatro emphasized that the floodwaters, rather than the winds, posed the greatest danger, causing devastating damage to communities. She noted that the scale of the flooding was unexpected, putting countless lives at risk. In response, authorities pre-emptively evacuated nearly 400,000 people from the typhoon’s path, with many seeking shelter in evacuation centers or with relatives.
Eyewitness accounts underscore the sudden and severe nature of the disaster. Don del Rosario, a 28-year-old resident of Cebu City, recounted how water levels rose uncontrollably by 4:00 am, preventing people from escaping their homes. He described it as the worst flooding he had experienced in his lifetime, with many residents unprepared for the speed at which the situation deteriorated. Similar stories emerged from other affected areas, where families faced harrowing conditions as they waited for rescue.
The Philippines is frequently affected by storms, with an average of 20 typhoons annually, but climate change is intensifying these events. Scientists warn that warmer oceans and a moisture-laden atmosphere contribute to stronger storms and heavier rainfall, increasing the risk of such disasters. Weather specialists noted that with Kalmaegi, the country has already reached its annual average for storms, and at least three to five more are expected by the end of the year, raising concerns about further impacts.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are focusing on providing shelter, food, and medical aid to the displaced. The Office of Civil Defense is coordinating efforts, and with more storms anticipated, the country remains vigilant in its disaster response preparations. The long-term implications include addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities and enhancing early warning systems to mitigate future risks in this disaster-prone region.