The Philippines has declared a state of national calamity following the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has claimed at least 140 lives and left 127 people missing. President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos approved the recommendation by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as the country braces for another incoming storm, potentially escalating into a super typhoon.
Typhoon Kalmaegi, the 20th typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, affected over 1.9 million residents across 500,000 families before exiting the region early Thursday. The NDRRMC emphasized the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts amid widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage.
President Marcos highlighted the dual challenge of addressing current losses while preparing for Typhoon Fung-wong, expected to intensify this weekend. 'The scale of destruction demands immediate action,' he stated, underscoring the government’s focus on resource mobilization and evacuation protocols.
With rescue operations ongoing and communities on high alert, analysts warn of compounding economic disruptions in agriculture, transportation, and tourism sectors. The declaration of calamity enables faster fund allocation and international aid coordination, critical for a nation ranked among the world’s most disaster-prone.
