Typhoon Kalmaegi has wreaked havoc across the Philippines, resulting in over 110 fatalities and displacing more than 560,000 people. The cyclone, which is now moving northwest, is expected to make landfall in Vietnam, a popular destination for British tourists, in the coming days. The storm has caused catastrophic flooding, particularly in the central province of Cebu, where many residents were forced to seek refuge on rooftops as floodwaters surged. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro stated, "We did everything we can for the typhoon but, you know, there are really some unexpected things like flash floods." Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared a state of emergency following a meeting with disaster-response officials. He noted that the government is now able to expedite the disbursement of emergency funds to assist those affected. The situation remains dire, with reports indicating that at least 66 people have died in the central Philippines, with 26 still missing. Many of the casualties were due to drowning, landslides, and falling debris. The typhoon's winds reached up to 130 km/h, with gusts of 180 km/h, leading to widespread destruction and prompting evacuations of over 387,000 individuals prior to the storm's arrival. As Kalmaegi moves into the South China Sea, Vietnam is preparing for its impact, expecting heavy rains and strong winds. The coastal areas are bracing for storm surges of up to 10 feet, exacerbating the already precarious situation in regions recently affected by severe weather. The Philippines continues to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts as it mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster. Authorities are also warning that another tropical cyclone could potentially strike the northern Philippines next week, raising concerns about further devastation in a nation already reeling from Kalmaegi's impact.
Typhoon Kalmaegi Devastates Philippines, Vietnam on Alert
Britain News13 hrs ago
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