The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi in the Philippines has risen to **40** as the storm has caused severe flooding and destruction across the central region. The powerful storm, locally known as Tino, has prompted thousands to evacuate their homes, with officials indicating that rescue operations are ongoing.
Kalmaegi made landfall early on **March 12, 2024**, unleashing heavy rains and winds reaching **130 km/h** (approximately **81 mph**), with gusts peaking at **180 km/h** (around **112 mph**). Although the typhoon has weakened, it continues to affect the Visayas islands, moving towards northern Palawan and the South China Sea.
According to provincial information officer **Ainjeliz Orong**, all but one of the fatalities have been reported in **Cebu**, with one additional death occurring on the nearby island of **Bohol**. Orong explained that the rise in casualties is due to the nature of the storm and ongoing recovery efforts. “Search and rescue efforts continue, and there are missing and unaccounted individuals,” she stated. The reported causes of death include drowning and injuries from falling debris.
Evacuations have taken place across the Visayas region, impacting parts of southern **Luzon** and northern **Mindanao**. Authorities report that tens of thousands of residents have been relocated to safer areas. Floodwaters in **Cebu City** began to recede late on **March 12**, but many areas are still experiencing power outages, and telecommunications services remain unreliable.
Rescue workers from the **Philippine Red Cross** have been active in assisting stranded residents, as documented in photos and videos showing them navigating knee-deep waters. In the town of **Liloan**, adjacent to Cebu City, homes have been inundated, leaving rooftops visible above the floodwaters. Social media has been flooded with images of vehicles submerged and streets transformed into rivers.
The state weather agency, **PAGASA**, noted that the combination of Kalmaegi and a shear line has led to substantial rainfall and wind damage across the Visayas and adjacent regions. On **March 12**, more than **180 flights** to and from the affected areas were cancelled. Maritime authorities advised vessels to seek safe harbors immediately and remain in port due to the hazardous conditions.
PAGASA has also alerted coastal and low-lying communities about the risk of “life-threatening and damaging storm surges” that could exceed **three meters** (approximately **9.8 feet**). These warnings are particularly pertinent for the central Philippines, including regions of Mindanao.
Meanwhile, the **Vietnamese government** is preparing for the storm’s potential impact as Kalmaegi is expected to make landfall in Vietnam’s central regions on the evening of **March 14, 2024**. These areas have already experienced severe flooding, with prior reports indicating that at least **40 people** have died and six others are missing due to recent weather events. “This is a very strong typhoon, which continues to strengthen after entering the East Sea,” a government statement noted, referring to the South China Sea.
As the situation evolves, local and national authorities are working diligently to mitigate the effects of Typhoon Kalmaegi. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of affected residents while navigating the ongoing challenges posed by this natural disaster.
