Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall in the Philippines early Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction that's hard to ignore. As of Friday morning, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported 188 lives lost and 135 people still missing.😢
Across the archipelago, flooding hit 123 areas, over 9,500 homes were damaged, and 81 public facilities—including hospitals and schools—were battered. Power outages plunged 162 towns into darkness, communications went down in 22 areas, 707 towns saw classes suspended, and 483 towns called off work. Agricultural losses have soared past 10 million pesos (around $169,000), putting local farmers in a tight spot, China Media Group reported.💔
President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos declared a nationwide state of calamity on Thursday, unlocking aid and resources to help affected communities get back on their feet. Rescue teams are working around the clock, and volunteers are stepping up to deliver food, water and shelter to families in need.🙏
Meanwhile, the storm didn't stop with the Philippines. On Thursday evening, Kalmaegi slammed into central Vietnam, with Dak Lak Province bearing the brunt. Houses were flattened and at least one life was lost as powerful winds and rain swept through. Local authorities are bracing for more rain and coordinating emergency responses.🌧️🏠
This latest weather drama is a stark reminder of how swiftly natural disasters can strike. Stay tuned as we follow relief efforts and track where Kalmaegi goes next.📲🌏
Reference(s):
Typhoon Kalmaegi kills 188 in Philippines, strikes central Vietnam
cgtn.com
