Manila: The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi surged to 66 on Wednesday as rescue and cleanup operations intensified across the devastated province of Cebu, where residents have been left reeling from what officials described as the worst flooding in decades. The powerful storm, which brought torrential rains and fierce winds, is now moving westward toward the tourist island of Palawan, packing sustained winds of 120 kilometres per hour and gusts reaching 165 kph, according to the state weather bureau.

Nearly three-fourths of the confirmed fatalities 49 deaths were reported in Cebu, the country’s second-largest urban hub and economic centre, said Civil Defense Deputy Administrator Rafaelito Alejandro in a radio interview. He added that 26 people remain missing, as authorities continue se

See Full Page