A powerful storm hits land
On November 4, Typhoon Kalmaegi swept through central and southern Philippines, unleashing torrential rains, powerful winds and storm surges. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported at least 26 fatalities and nearly 60,000 people affected as communities struggled to evacuate and seek shelter.
Compounding adversity
Authorities say many victims were swept away by floodwaters, pinned by fallen trees or suffered electrocution as waters rose into power lines. Tens of thousands fled to emergency centers, where aid workers provided food, clean water and medical assistance.
Relief mission setback
The same day, a Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopter crashed on Mindanao island during a relief operation. Rescue teams are racing against time to find any survivors as details of the crash remain scarce.
Recovery and resilience
As floodwaters recede, local officials are assessing damage to homes, roads and infrastructure. Rebuilding efforts are expected to take days or weeks, underscoring the Philippines’ ongoing challenge with tropical cyclones and the importance of timely evacuations and robust disaster preparedness.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
